Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lakewood, CA: $82,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Lakewood, CA earns a median $82,259/year (≈ $39.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,731 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in Lakewood, California, stands at $82,259, reflecting a significant 17.10% increase over the national median of $70,247. The salary range varies considerably, from $58,984 at the 10th percentile to $107,316 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and allow for regional cost adjustments within the Lakewood area. In light of recent changes in Medicare reimbursement policies, particularly the 15% cut affecting PTA services, the job market has seen a noticeable shift. This has impacted pay structures in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings, pushing physical therapist assistant salaries in Lakewood to be relatively high, indicating a strong demand for skilled practitioners in this evolving landscape.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,984 | $28.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,702 | $33.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,259 | $39.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,796 | $45.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,316 | $51.59 |
Median Salary Position
17.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,332 (2026 est.). At $82,259, the local median is 17.1% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $82,259/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,368 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +17.10% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $82,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.10% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.50% below the California state average of $84,368.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,259 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,731 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,843
2025 BLS Actual
$80,073
2026 Current Est.
$82,259
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,843 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,504 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,038 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,977 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,505 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $68,843 (2019) to $80,073 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,505 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,662 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $58,984 – $70,702 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,702 – $82,259 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,259 – $94,796 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,796 – $107,316 |
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 Lakewood
The local job market in Lakewood employs 19 physical therapist assistants, which, while modest, reflects a specialized demand driven by the current healthcare environment. Given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, take-home purchasing power can be pressured, making salary considerations particularly important for prospective PTAs. While outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer competitive salaries, home health agencies and skilled nursing facility rehab programs have also been noted for higher pay, depending on specific employer practices and therapy settings. Disparities in wages can largely be attributed to productivity expectations and supervisory responsibilities, particularly in settings impacted by the recent Medicare cuts. For job seekers, focusing on outpatient roles or pursuing supplemental qualifications like PTA-to-DPT bridge programs can enhance earning potential in Lakewood's market.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Lakewood, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $80,073 for physical therapist assistantsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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