Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Alhambra, CA: $83,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Alhambra, CA earns a median $83,168/year (≈ $39.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Alhambra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those interested in the physical therapist assistant salary in Alhambra, the projected median annual compensation is $83,168 for 2026, notably higher than the national figure of $70,247. This salary range spans from a lower threshold of $61,084 at the 10th percentile to a robust $110,311 at the 90th percentile. These specifics, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants in the region. Alhambra's market is characterized by productivity expectations, with many employers emphasizing high visit numbers per day, which directly impacts earning potential. Meanwhile, job opportunities are present in a variety of settings, from outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities, all of which contribute to the competitive nature of PTA salaries in this area.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,084 | $29.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,390 | $35.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,168 | $39.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,760 | $45.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,311 | $53.04 |
Median Salary Position
18.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alhambra
In Alhambra, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,227 (2026 est.). At $83,168, the local median is 18.39% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alhambra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alhambra Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Alhambra median: $83,168/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alhambra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,435 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +18.39% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $83,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.39% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the California state average of $84,435.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alhambra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alhambra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,168 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,535 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,604
2025 BLS Actual
$80,958
2026 Current Est.
$83,168
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,867 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,439 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alhambra metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $69,604 (2019) to $80,958 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,439 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,835 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,084 – $74,390 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,390 – $83,168 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,168 – $93,760 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,760 – $110,311 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Alhambra
The Alhambra job market employs a modest number of physical therapist assistants, totaling 13, which adds a layer of exclusivity and competition for available roles. The cost-of-living index in Alhambra stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries might appear attractive, purchasing power is affected by increased living expenses. Employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer some of the highest compensation, followed by skilled nursing facilities, especially those staffed with PTAs who may work fewer hours due to reduced Medicare reimbursements. Variability in physical therapist assistant pay in Alhambra CA can often be attributed to differing settings and expectations, with hospital positions generally commanding more than outpatient roles. To maximize earnings, professionals may consider expanding their skill sets, seeking additional certifications, or exploring opportunities in high-demand settings, all while navigating the potential impacts of Medicare's reimbursement policies.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Alhambra, CA in 2026?
Is Alhambra, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Alhambra?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Alhambra?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $80,958 for physical therapist assistantsin the Alhambra metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alhambra 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