Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Woodland, CA: $112,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Woodland, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $112,485/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Woodland's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $99,456 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodland, California, experienced physical therapist assistants can anticipate substantial earning potential, especially in top-tier positions. With a projected 2026 salary reaching up to $112,485 at the 90th percentile, seasoned professionals stand to benefit significantly from their years of hands-on experience. The imbalance between the median salary of $85,488 and the high-end compensation illustrates the financial rewards of achieving a senior-level position in this field. This gap illustrates the importance of specialized skills and continued professional development, enabling physical therapist assistants to position themselves effectively in a competitive job market.
About the Woodland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woodland
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Woodland earn between $99,288 and $112,485 per year (2026 est.). This $52,827 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Woodland median of $85,488 sits 21.7% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Woodland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $85,488 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,288 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $112,485 | $91,954 |
In Woodland, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 31.58% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Woodland
Advanced Certifications in California
CA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $85,488 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Woodland employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Woodland command premium compensation, often reaching the $99,288–$112,485 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Woodland metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Woodland with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Woodland
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWoodland ranks #56 of 157 California cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $112,485).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Woodland ($112,485) is 3.51% above the California average P90 ($108,667).
2019 BLS Actual
$98,890
2025 BLS Actual
$109,496
2026 Current Est.
$112,485
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Woodland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,884 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,071 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,664 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,496 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,556 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Woodland saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $98,890 in 2019 to $109,496 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $115,556 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodland 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Woodland
Specializations play a central role in determining senior physical therapist assistant pay in CA. Highly sought-after fields such as orthopedic therapy, geriatric rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy typically command higher salaries. Moreover, compensation varies significantly across employer types; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer more competitive pay compared to school therapy programs or home health agencies. Professional pathways for advancement are also available, ranging from lead PTA roles to clinic operations supervisors and even faculty positions in PTA programs. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, such as APTA's advanced proficiency certifications, can amplify earning potential. However, the recent 15% Medicare cut to PTA-provided services may impact remuneration in heavily Medicare-reliant settings, further complicating the current compensation environment in Woodland.
More salary data for Woodland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Woodland in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Woodland?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Woodland?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Woodland?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Woodland?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in California
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $109,496 for physical therapist assistants in the Woodland metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodland 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