Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Physical Therapist Assistantss. With an average annual salary of $86,190, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,470.
- Outlook: The current demand for Physical Therapist Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+28.3%above the national average.
$41.4
$1,658
$7,183
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Physical Therapist Assistants salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have shown healthy growth of 19.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Physical Therapist Assistantss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $58,480, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $106,470.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $58,480 | $28.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $64,643 | $31.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $83,820 | $40.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $107,738 | $51.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $106,470 | $51.2 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $86,190 to $86,190.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.521
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.74x 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.
50 people work as Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.521 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Physical Therapist Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $100,580↑ 17% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $87,210↑ 1% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $98,250↑ 14% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $96,920↑ 12% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $77,110↓ 11% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $86,190. This typically ranges from $58,480 for entry-level positions to $106,470 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 28.3% higher than the national median of $67,190.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Physical Therapist Assistantss. The average salary of $86,190 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
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 ($100,580) 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 50 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.521 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA