Physical Therapist Aides Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $35,740 +3.5% vs national
Median hourly $17.18
10th percentile $33,910
90th percentile $94,430
Employed locally 70
National median $34,520

Compare Physical Therapist Aides salary & buying power

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Physical Therapist Aides
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,910
    25th
    $35,510
    50th (median)
    $35,740
    75th
    $42,830
    90th
    $94,430

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Physical Therapist Aides salary vs area income 33% Median Physical Therapist Aides salary is 67% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Physical Therapist Aides

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area $57,670
    Barnstable Town, MA $47,290
    Abilene, TX $46,790
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $44,600
    Urban Honolulu, HI $44,430
    Minnesota $44,340

    Nearby metros — Physical Therapist Aides salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $44,600
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,070
    Chico, CA $42,800
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $41,430
    Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL $38,650
    Fresno, CA $37,660

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides$33,460
    Medical Assistants$49,070
    Dental Assistants$50,050
    Nursing Assistants$46,730
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$45,560
    Massage Therapists$56,790

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Physical Therapist Aides make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Physical Therapist Aides in Santa Cruz, CA is $17.18, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.74 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Physical Therapist Aides salaries?

    The median Physical Therapist Aides salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 3.5% above the national median of $34,520. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Physical Therapist Aides in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Physical Therapist Aides (10th percentile) earn around $33,910 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,510.