Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Rialto, CA: $85,959 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Rialto, CA earns a median $85,959/year (≈ $41.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Rialto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,003 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Rialto, California is projected to reach an encouraging median of $85,959, reflecting the region's adaptation to changes post-Medicare cuts, particularly affecting service delivery in outpatient versus skilled nursing facility settings. The salary range extends from $56,912 at the lower end to $113,011 at the top, illustrating a significant variance in compensation that can arise from differences in setting, productivity demands, and work experience. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for local economic realities, underscoring the competitive nature of the job market for physical therapist assistants in Rialto. This booming market emerges against the backdrop of a healthcare environment shaped by recent reimbursement adjustments, creating both challenges and opportunities for local practitioners.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,912 | $27.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,354 | $34.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,959 | $41.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,229 | $47.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,011 | $54.33 |
Median Salary Position
22.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rialto
In Rialto, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,099 (2026 est.). At $85,959, the local median is 22.37% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rialto: You'd be above the median
How Rialto Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Rialto median: $85,959/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rialto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,439 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +22.37% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Rialto, CA earn a median of $85,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.37% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% above the California state average of $84,439.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rialto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rialto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,959 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,003 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,940
2025 BLS Actual
$83,675
2026 Current Est.
$85,959
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,139 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,413 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,845 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,959 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rialto metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $71,940 (2019) to $83,675 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,366 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rialto 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) | $56,912 – $72,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,354 – $85,959 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,959 – $99,229 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,229 – $113,011 |
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 Rialto
The Rialto job market currently employs 17 physical therapist assistants, benefiting from an above-average cost of living index of 113.1. This higher index implies that while salaries might seem attractive, they may not stretch as far as those in lower-cost areas. Among local employers, outpatient clinics tend to offer the most competitive compensation, outperforming skilled nursing facility rehabilitation and home health agencies. The salary disparities are driven largely by the work setting, with hospital positions often providing the highest pay, followed by outpatient environments and significantly lower rates in skilled nursing facilities, particularly following the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement. To maximize pay, aspiring physical therapist assistants should consider gaining experience in outpatient orthopedic settings or pursuing specialized certification, which can further amplify their earning potential in Rialto, CA. Understanding the demands and structures of various employment settings will be crucial in making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Rialto?
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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 $83,675 for physical therapist assistantsin the Rialto 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 Rialto 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