Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pleasanton, CA: $85,173 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Pleasanton, CA earns a median $85,173/year (≈ $40.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Pleasanton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,308 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pleasanton, California, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants is set at $85,173 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $70,247. This reflects a robust local demand for skilled PTAs, offering a salary range that spans from $59,013 at the P10 to $111,431 at the P90 level. The estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors, reveal a promising earning landscape for those in the profession. Moreover, as many PTAs consider advancing their careers through the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways, the potential for increased lifetime earnings becomes evident, further solidifying Pleasanton as an attractive market for current and aspiring physical therapist assistants.
About the Pleasanton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,013 | $28.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,526 | $35.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,173 | $40.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,604 | $47.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,431 | $53.57 |
Median Salary Position
21.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pleasanton
In Pleasanton, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,418 (2026 est.). At $85,173, the local median is 21.25% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pleasanton: You'd be above the median
How Pleasanton Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Pleasanton median: $85,173/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pleasanton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,414 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +21.25% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pleasanton, CA earn a median of $85,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.25% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% above the California state average of $84,414.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pleasanton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pleasanton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,173 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,308 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,282
2025 BLS Actual
$82,910
2026 Current Est.
$85,173
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pleasanton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,282 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,108 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,696 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,023 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,173 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,499 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pleasanton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $71,282 (2019) to $82,910 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,499 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,217 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasanton 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) | $59,013 – $73,526 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,526 – $85,173 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,173 – $98,604 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,604 – $111,431 |
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 Pleasanton
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Pleasanton is notable, with 16 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index of 113.1 indicates expenses are higher than the national average, impacting take-home pay. Consequently, physical therapist assistant pay in Pleasanton CA can vary significantly, influenced by settings such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital inpatient rehab programs. Factors driving the salary range include productivity expectations and the implications of Medicare’s 15% rate cut on PTA services, particularly in skilled nursing and outpatient environments. To maximize earnings, aspiring PTAs should consider working in higher-paying settings, like hospitals, and remain mindful of the supervisory requirements for comprehensive career development.
More salary data for Pleasanton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Pleasanton, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Pleasanton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Pleasanton?
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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 $82,910 for physical therapist assistantsin the Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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