Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $41.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Downey, CA runs $41.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,462 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, physical therapist assistants command a median hourly rate of $41.09, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate translates well for both part-time and per-diem workers, making it an enticing option for those seeking flexible schedules. Working three days a week in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health environments allows part-time PTAs to enjoy a decent income while balancing other responsibilities. For entry-level positions, hourly pay starts at approximately $26.66, while experienced professionals can earn up to $56.19 per hour. These figures reflect projections derived from annual salary data, illustrating promising earning potential in Downey.
About the Downey 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) | $26.66 | $213.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.85 | $286.82 |
| Median (P50) | $41.09 | $328.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.72 | $389.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.19 | $449.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $41.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.09/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,310. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,643.68 | $7,123 | $85,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $986.21 | $4,274 | $51,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.47 | $2,849 | $34,189 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Downey) | $41.09 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $85,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.66% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.30% above the California state average of $84,365.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.09/hr = $51,283/year (purchasing power: $45,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,471/year (purchasing power: $75,571).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Downey grew 16.3% from $34.39/hr (2019) to $40.00/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.21/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 Downey 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 Downey
Part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours per week can expect to earn just over $51,000 annually, which provides a substantial income compared to full-time positions. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Downey typically ranges between $32 and $48 per hour, making it a viable option for those seeking temporary assignments or additional work to supplement their income. Travel PTA contracts offer even more lucrative earnings, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per week, although the cuts from the 2022 Medicare adjustments have reduced earnings in some skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies often providing competitive wages, while pediatric clinics and school therapy programs may offer lower rates with added benefits. Physical therapist assistants need to consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and health insurance benefits when negotiating their compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Downey in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Downey?
Are physical therapist assistants in Downey paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Downey?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Downey?
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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 Downey. 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 Downey 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