Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, CA: $40.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Apple Valley, CA runs $40.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $40.31, physical therapist assistants in Apple Valley, California, are earning significantly more than the national median of $33.77. This elevated pay rate provides attractive options for those considering part-time positions, typically working three days a week, offering substantial financial return. Per-diem physical therapist assistants also benefit, as practitioners can easily find work in various settings including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For entry-level PTAs, hourly pay starts at approximately $26.90, while seasoned professionals in high-demand specialties can earn up to $51.47 per hour. The considerable salary range gives prospective PTAs a wide scope to consider, whether looking for stability in healthcare settings or seeking flexible per-diem opportunities.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.90 | $215.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.45 | $291.59 |
| Median (P50) | $40.31 | $322.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.90 | $367.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.47 | $411.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $40.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.31/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,374. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,612.45 | $6,987 | $83,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.47 | $4,192 | $50,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.98 | $2,795 | $33,539 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Apple Valley) | $40.31 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $83,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.36% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% below the California state average of $84,440.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.31/hr = $50,308/year (purchasing power: $44,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,847/year (purchasing power: $74,136).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Apple Valley grew 16.3% from $33.74/hr (2019) to $39.24/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.41/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Apple Valley
For PTAs opting to work part-time, the annual take-home from a 24-hour workweek can vary distinctly from their full-time counterparts. While the financial incentive of per diem work can be enticing, especially when billing rates can reach between $32 and $48 per hour, the balance between compensation and benefits warrants careful consideration. Additionally, travel physical therapist assistant contracts in Apple Valley yield solid weekly income, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. However, the trends in different employer types can affect hourly rates significantly. For instance, agencies may offer varying pay structures, particularly following Medicare reimbursement cuts that took effect in 2022, which have impacted skilled nursing facilities disproportionately. As a result, aligning one's desired work environment and benefits—like health insurance—against hourly compensation is critical. Prospective PTAs must approach salary negotiations with clear expectations and a comprehensive understanding of the local market to optimize their economic outcomes in Apple Valley.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Apple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Apple Valley?
Are physical therapist assistants in Apple Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Apple Valley?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Apple Valley?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Apple Valley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley 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