Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $40.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in San Clemente, CA runs $40.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,937 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,360 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $40.35. This figure significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $33.77, showcasing the local demand and value placed on PTAs in the region. For part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants, working in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health can yield substantial financial rewards. Those who work three days a week can expect to earn a solid income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level PTAs can start at an hourly rate around $26.97, while seasoned professionals may command up to $54.16 per hour, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in this city. These hourly estimates are derived from a range of annual salary data, underscoring the lucrative potential for those pursuing a career in this field.
About the San Clemente 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) | $26.97 | $215.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.66 | $285.26 |
| Median (P50) | $40.35 | $322.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.51 | $380.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.16 | $433.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $40.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.35/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,423. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,614.09 | $6,994 | $83,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $968.46 | $4,197 | $50,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $645.64 | $2,798 | $33,573 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (San Clemente) | $40.35 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $83,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.49% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.60% below the California state average of $84,443.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.35/hr = $50,360/year (purchasing power: $44,527).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,933/year (purchasing power: $74,211).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Clemente grew 16.3% from $33.77/hr (2019) to $39.28/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.45/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
Those looking to work part-time as physical therapist assistants in San Clemente should consider the benefits of a 24-hour workweek. Earning at an hourly rate can provide a take-home income that leads to a comfortable lifestyle, especially when balancing work with personal commitments. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in San Clemente typically falls between $32 and $48 per hour, and for those interested in travel positions, contracts can range from $1,200 to $1,800 per week. The settings where PTAs find work can greatly influence pay; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different rates compared to skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies, where the impact of the 15% Medicare cut since 2022 is still felt. This has led to some PTAs accepting lower hourly rates with the security of health benefits. For those negotiating pay, it's wise to weigh the pros and cons of higher hourly wages against the perks of full-time employment, as well as to consider their employer's budgetary constraints, which can impact offers in this competitive market.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in San Clemente?
Are physical therapist assistants in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in San Clemente?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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