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Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a highly lucrative market for Physical Therapist Assistantss. With an average annual salary of $83,830, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $83,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,430.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Physical Therapist Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$83,830

The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+24.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.3

Weekly

$1,612

Monthly

$6,986

Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

The earning potential for Physical Therapist Assistantss in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, 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 $56,940, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $102,430.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$56,940$27.4
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$62,873$30.2
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$82,430$39.6
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$104,788$50.4
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$102,430$49.2

Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$83,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$83,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $83,830 to $83,830.

Job Market Context

70

Total Jobs

0.351

Per 1K Jobs

0.5

Location Quotient

Below Average

Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.50x 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.

70 people work as Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.

Only 0.351 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Physical Therapist Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $83,830. This typically ranges from $56,940 for entry-level positions to $102,430 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 24.8% higher than the national median of $67,190.

Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Physical Therapist Assistantss?

Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is financially attractive for Physical Therapist Assistantss. The average salary of $83,830 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($82,340) and Bakersfield-Delano, 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.351 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.