Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oxnard, CA: $62,768 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Oxnard, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,768 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oxnard's local price level (BEA RPP 110.5 — 11% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,786 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,650) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Oxnard, California, the initial earning potential is promising yet varies significantly across the spectrum of salaries. Entry-level positions offer a starting physical therapist assistant salary of approximately $62,768, which places newcomers below the city's median annual salary of $81,650. However, there is a clear growth trajectory for those starting their careers. As they gain experience, many can realistically expect to progress to the P25 level, equating to a salary of around $75,322 within the first few years. With projected annual growth of 2.73%, Oxnard presents a viable job market for recent PTA graduates, especially considering the city's increased demand for healthcare services.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oxnard
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxnard
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Oxnard, CA typically start between $62,768 and $75,322 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,647 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,650 — 16.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in California of $25,000 represents just 39.83% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($62,768/year) in Oxnard. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Oxnard
- 1Research the Oxnard market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $62,768 to $75,322, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oxnard, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Oxnard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Oxnard's above-average cost of living (index: 110.534) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Oxnard is $38,647 ( 61.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,768, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,415.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,670
2025 BLS Actual
$61,100
2026 Current Est.
$62,768
2019–2027 Growth
+151.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oxnard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,768 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,482 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Oxnard, CA grew 138.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,670 in 2019 to $61,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,482. New graduates entering the Oxnard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxnard 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.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Oxnard
Employers in Oxnard, including various outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), frequently hire new graduates despite competitive conditions influenced by Medicare reimbursement constraints. Outpatient chains tend to be the primary recruiters of entry-level PTAs, while SNFs continue to seek talent despite recent cuts to Medicare funding for PTA services, which effectively reduced potential salaries for first-year professionals. To enhance earning potential and job opportunities, securing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are vital steps for new grads. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can further elevate starting pay. Given that PTAs operate under the supervision of licensed physical therapists due to state regulations, it is crucial for new grads to understand the implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that occurred in 2022. This background offers a strategic perspective for professional development while fostering expectations for gradual salary increases during the first three years of employment in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Oxnard, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Oxnard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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