California pays physical therapist assistants more than any other state — its $79,410 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $55,380 to $105,210 — a $49,830 spread, 20% wider than the national $41,610 range.
Physical Therapist Assistants are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.67 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.49× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $55,380 | $26.62 |
| 25th percentile | $75,750 | $36.42 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,410 | $38.18 |
| 75th percentile | $96,130 | $46.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $105,210 | $50.58 |
| Mean (average) | $83,190 | $40.00 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $79,410 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $77,780 | -2% |
| Alaska | $76,310 | -4% |
| Texas | $76,250 | -4% |
| New Jersey | $74,780 | -6% |
| Connecticut | $74,120 | -7% |
| Virginia | $73,900 | -7% |
| Nevada | $73,080 | -8% |
| Washington | $72,950 | -8% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $79,410 | 146,270 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $79,520 | 11,410 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $79,570 | 46,790 |
| Loan Officers | $79,580 | 27,420 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $79,630 | 9,180 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $79,140 | 54,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist Assistants salary in California?
The mean physical therapist assistants salary in California is $83,190 per year. The median (middle) salary is $79,410 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in California?
Entry-level physical therapist assistantss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $55,380 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $75,750 per year.
What is the highest Physical Therapist Assistants salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $105,210 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $96,130 per year.
How does the California Physical Therapist Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median physical therapist assistants salary in California is $79,410, which is +21% above national average of $65,510.