Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Gilroy, CA: $40.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Gilroy, CA runs $40.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,438 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Gilroy's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,667 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gilroy, California, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $40.60, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $33.77. This higher compensation can be especially beneficial for part-time workers who may opt for employment schedules of three days a week, resulting in a flexible work-life balance. For those considering per-diem roles, this hourly rate translates to competitive earnings in outpatient clinic settings, skilled nursing facilities, or even home health visits. Across the board, the hourly compensation range for physical therapist assistants in Gilroy varies widely, from an entry-level rate of $27.55 to top earners obtaining as high as $55.07 per hour, as projected for 2026. The data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and refined for economic conditions in 2026, highlights just how diverse earning potential can be in this profession.
About the Gilroy 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) | $27.55 | $220.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.62 | $276.96 |
| Median (P50) | $40.60 | $324.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.61 | $364.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.07 | $440.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gilroy
Based on $40.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.60/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gilroy, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,719. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gilroy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gilroy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,623.96 | $7,037 | $84,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $974.37 | $4,222 | $50,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.58 | $2,815 | $33,778 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Gilroy) | $40.60 |
| 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 Gilroy, CA earn a median of $84,438 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.20% higher than the national median of $70,247.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.60/hr = $50,667/year (purchasing power: $44,799).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,446/year (purchasing power: $74,665).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gilroy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gilroy grew 16.3% from $33.98/hr (2019) to $39.52/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.71/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 Gilroy 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 Gilroy
Analyzing the part-time earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Gilroy reveals that those working three days a week for 24 hours could take home around $50,107 annually, presenting a feasible alternative to full-time positions for those interested in more flexibility. On a per-diem basis, physical therapist assistants often see billing rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, while travel PTA contracts can deliver even higher profits, typically between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. It's notable that hourly pay can differ significantly based on various employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or skilled nursing facilities. Some physical therapist assistants might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, particularly in settings affected by the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut implemented in 2022, impacting pay dynamics. For those navigating hourly positions, maintaining an awareness of common compensation packages and negotiating effectively can lead to better opportunities in Gilroy's competitive job market.
More salary data for Gilroy, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gilroy in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Gilroy?
Are physical therapist assistants in Gilroy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Gilroy?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Gilroy?
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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 Gilroy. 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 Gilroy 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