Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Median annual salary $83,820 +27.9% vs national
Median hourly $40.30
10th percentile $58,480
90th percentile $106,470
Employed locally 50
National median $65,510

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Physical Therapist Assistants
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $58,480
    25th
    $77,140
    50th (median)
    $83,820
    75th
    $100,290
    90th
    $106,470

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Physical Therapist Assistants salary vs area income 77% Median Physical Therapist Assistants salary is 23% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Physical Therapist Assistants

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $97,350
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,230
    Modesto, CA $96,120
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $90,000
    Spartanburg, SC $85,470
    Salinas, CA $84,210

    Nearby metros — Physical Therapist Assistants salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $97,350
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,230
    Modesto, CA $96,120
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $90,000
    Salinas, CA $84,210
    Chico, CA $83,610

    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 Assistants make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Cruz, CA is $40.30, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $54.14 or more per hour.

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

    The median Physical Therapist Assistants salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 27.9% above the national median of $65,510. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

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

    Entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $58,480 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $77,140.