Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Physical Therapist Assistants in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $77,460, significantly exceeding the national average of $67,190. This elevated compensation is often driven by the region's robust healthcare demand and a higher cost of doing business, which influences salary benchmarks across various professions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,780 Physical Therapist Assistants, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area demonstrates a substantial presence in this vital healthcare sector. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, job market with consistent demand for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+15.3%above the national average.
$37.2
$1,490
$6,455
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically fueled by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in physical therapy techniques, and a growing awareness of the importance of rehabilitative services.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive clinical experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,320 | $18.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $58,095 | $27.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $76,130 | $36.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $96,825 | $46.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $99,090 | $47.6 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $77,460 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings effectively offset the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
3,780
Total Jobs
0.61
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.87x the national average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.87 for Physical Therapist Assistants in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a competitive but accessible job market, where demand is present, and opportunities exist for qualified individuals without being overly saturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $83,490↑ 8% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $83,480↑ 8% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $77,460. This typically ranges from $38,320 for entry-level positions to $99,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 15.3% higher than the national median of $67,190.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants.The average salary of $77,460 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($83,490) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the number of Physical Therapist Assistants in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
With 3,780 Physical Therapist Assistants, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area has a significant workforce. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests this concentration is slightly below the national average.
What is the job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants in this region?
The job outlook appears robust, with a healthy presence in the workforce and a Location Quotient indicating consistent demand without extreme saturation, suggesting good employment opportunities.
Does experience significantly impact a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in Los Angeles?
Yes, experience is a key factor. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior Physical Therapist Assistants with specialized skills and years of practice can expect substantially higher compensation.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in Los Angeles?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the real value of the $77,460 salary is equivalent to the national average. The higher nominal salary effectively balances out the local cost of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,780 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.61 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 Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA