Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in San Buenaventura, CA: $85,243 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in San Buenaventura, CA earns a median $85,243/year (≈ $40.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in San Buenaventura's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,370 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in San Buenaventura is projected to be $85,243, significantly higher than the national median of $70,247, demonstrating a notable 21.35% premium for local PTAs. The salary range in this coastal city spans from $61,659 at the 10th percentile to $116,132 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse settings and responsibilities these professionals encounter. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions, suggest a robust local job market for PTAs. For those considering the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathway, undertaking further education could enhance lifetime earnings substantially, particularly in an environment where the demand for skilled therapists remains strong.
About the San Buenaventura Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,659 | $29.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,965 | $36.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,243 | $40.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,816 | $48.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,132 | $55.83 |
Median Salary Position
21.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Buenaventura
In San Buenaventura, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,473 (2026 est.). At $85,243, the local median is 21.35% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in San Buenaventura: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Buenaventura Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
San Buenaventura median: $85,243/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Buenaventura Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,399 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +21.35% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $85,243 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.35% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.00% above the California state average of $84,399.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Buenaventura has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Buenaventura, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,243 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,370 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,341
2025 BLS Actual
$82,978
2026 Current Est.
$85,243
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,241 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,097 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,243 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Buenaventura metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $71,341 (2019) to $82,978 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,229 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Buenaventura 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) | $61,659 – $75,965 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,965 – $85,243 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,243 – $100,816 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,816 – $116,132 |
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 San Buenaventura
The local job market in San Buenaventura currently employs 19 physical therapist assistants, which contributes to a competitive landscape for their services. With a cost of living index of 113.1, the purchasing power of salaries here is a critical factor for PTAs. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest wages, though factors like setting—where hospital roles typically offer higher pay than outpatient clinics—alongside productivity expectations can create notable salary variances. Additionally, the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services has impacted compensation, particularly in Medicare-reliant settings like SNFs. To maximize earning potential, PTAs should consider specializing in high-demand areas or pursuing roles in settings that offer weekend or PRN opportunities, where premiums are often available.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in San Buenaventura, CA in 2026?
Is San Buenaventura, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in San Buenaventura?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in San Buenaventura?
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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 $82,978 for physical therapist assistantsin the San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura 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