Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Perris, CA: $82,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Perris, CA earns a median $82,507/year (≈ $39.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Perris's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Perris, California, is $82,507, a figure that significantly exceeds the national median of $70,247. This substantial local salary also reflects a competitive range from $59,215 at the 10th percentile to $108,127 at the 90th percentile, indicating that earnings can vary widely based on factors such as experience and working environment. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, which takes into account regional cost adjustments, giving context to the earning potential for PTAs in the area. As the demand for skilled PTAs continues to grow, particularly with the option for some to bridge to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), potential lifetime earnings can become significantly enhanced, making the field an appealing choice for job seekers in Perris.
About the Perris Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,215 | $28.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,013 | $35.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,507 | $39.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,179 | $46.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,127 | $51.98 |
Median Salary Position
17.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Perris
In Perris, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,912 (2026 est.). At $82,507, the local median is 17.45% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Perris: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Perris Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Perris median: $82,507/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Perris Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,363 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +17.45% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Perris, CA earn a median of $82,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.45% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% below the California state average of $84,363.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Perris has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Perris, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,507 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,950 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,050
2025 BLS Actual
$80,314
2026 Current Est.
$82,507
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Perris (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,201 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,725 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,314 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,759 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Perris metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $69,050 (2019) to $80,314 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,759 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,709 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Perris metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $59,215 – $73,013 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,013 – $82,507 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,507 – $97,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,179 – $108,127 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Perris
In Perris, the job market for physical therapist assistants is relatively stable, with 12 professionals currently employed locally. The cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that residents contend with higher living expenses compared to the national average, thus influencing take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the most competitive compensation packages, while skilled nursing facilities may lag behind due to the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on PTA services. Factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and weekend pay differentials contribute to variations in salary within the field. To maximize earning potential in this market, PTAs should consider seeking positions in outpatient settings, pursuing further education to transition to a DPT, and staying informed on policies affecting reimbursement to better navigate salary negotiations and employment opportunities in Perris, CA.
More salary data for Perris, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Perris?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Perris?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $80,314 for physical therapist assistantsin the Perris metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Perris is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov