Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $82,430 +25.8% vs national
Median hourly $39.63
10th percentile $56,940
90th percentile $102,430
Employed locally 70
National median $65,510

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Physical Therapist Assistants
in
Santa Maria, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $56,940
    25th
    $75,760
    50th (median)
    $82,430
    75th
    $96,620
    90th
    $102,430

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Physical Therapist Assistants salary vs area income 86% Median Physical Therapist Assistants salary is 14% 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
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $83,820

    Related occupations in Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $33,540
    Medical Assistants $49,710
    Nursing Assistants $46,190
    Dental Assistants $49,570
    Phlebotomists $61,350
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $53,030

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Maria, CA is $39.63, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $49.26 or more per hour.

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

    The median Physical Therapist Assistants salary in Santa Maria, CA is 25.8% 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 Maria?

    Entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $56,940 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $75,760.