Average Physical Therapist Aides Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Physical Therapist Aidess. With an average annual salary of $46,710, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.43x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,430.
- Outlook: The current demand for Physical Therapist Aidess is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Aides in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+32.6%above the national average.
$22.5
$898
$3,893
Physical Therapist Aides Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Physical Therapist Aides salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 36.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Physical Therapist Aides Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Physical Therapist Aidess in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.8x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $33,910, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $94,430.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $33,910 | $16.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,033 | $16.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,740 | $17.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $58,388 | $28.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $94,430 | $45.4 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Aides Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $46,710 to $46,710.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.693
Per 1K Jobs
2.43
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 2.4x the national concentration of Physical Therapist Aides jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
70 people work as Physical Therapist Aides in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.693 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Physical Therapist Aides roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Aides
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Physical Therapist Aides Salary | $48,030↑ 3% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Physical Therapist Aides Salary | $39,100↓ 16% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Physical Therapist Aides Salary | $45,400↓ 3% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Physical Therapist Aides Salary | $37,810↓ 19% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Physical Therapist Aides Salary | $40,520↓ 13% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Physical Therapist Aidess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Aides make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Aides in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $46,710. This typically ranges from $33,910 for entry-level positions to $94,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 32.6% higher than the national median of $35,230.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Physical Therapist Aidess?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is an excellent location for Physical Therapist Aidess. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($46,710) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Aides?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($48,030) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.693 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Aides • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA