Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Torrance, CA: $85,850 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Torrance, CA earns a median $85,850/year (≈ $41.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Torrance's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,906 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Torrance, California, can expect a median annual salary of $85,850, reflecting a significant increase compared to the national median of $70,247. This local average falls within a salary range from $56,323 at the 10th percentile to $118,206 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a disparity in earnings based on experience and type of employer. The figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, providing a clear insight into the local job market. With recent Medicare cuts affecting payment structures, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings, the dynamics of physical therapist assistant pay in Torrance continue to evolve, suggesting that those in more lucrative environments, such as hospitals and specialty clinics, may benefit the most in this adjusted market.
About the Torrance Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,323 | $27.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,132 | $34.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,850 | $41.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,275 | $49.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,206 | $56.83 |
Median Salary Position
22.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Torrance
In Torrance, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,883 (2026 est.). At $85,850, the local median is 22.21% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Torrance: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Torrance Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Torrance median: $85,850/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Torrance Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,415 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +22.21% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Torrance, CA earn a median of $85,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.21% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% above the California state average of $84,415.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Torrance has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Torrance, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,850 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,906 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,849
2025 BLS Actual
$83,569
2026 Current Est.
$85,850
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,046 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,314 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,569 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,850 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Torrance metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $71,849 (2019) to $83,569 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,345 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Torrance 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) | $56,323 – $72,132 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,132 – $85,850 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,850 – $102,275 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,275 – $118,206 |
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 Torrance
Torrance's physical therapist assistant job market is currently supported by approximately 26 professionals in the field, making it a relatively niche environment. The cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, which indicates a higher-than-average expense for residents compared to national standards; this can directly impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab centers tend to offer the most competitive salaries, in contrast to skilled nursing facilities where recent payment cuts have driven compensation lower. Factors contributing to the wage spread include the expected productivity in various settings, weekend and PRN pay differentials, and the supervisory requirements dictated by state law. To maximize earning potential in Torrance, aspiring physical therapist assistants should consider pursuing advanced education such as bridge programs leading to a DPT and seeking positions in high-paying specialties or efficient productivity environments.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Torrance?
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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 $83,569 for physical therapist assistantsin the Torrance 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 Torrance 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