As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for assistant physical therapist in California is $75,533, equivalent to $36 per hour, $1,453 weekly, or $6,294 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for assistant physical therapist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for assistant physical therapist in California vary widely, spanning from $57,540 to $82,852. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($66,115) and 75th percentile ($79,364), while top earners (90th percentile) make $82,852 per year. This $13,249 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Commitment or Rehabilitation Services, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California assistant physical therapist often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 45 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for assistant physical therapist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
assistant physical therapist Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile assistant physical therapist Salary $57,540 CA August 01, 2026
25th Percentile assistant physical therapist Salary $66,115 CA August 01, 2026
50th Percentile assistant physical therapist Salary $75,533 CA August 01, 2026
75th Percentile assistant physical therapist Salary $79,364 CA August 01, 2026
90th Percentile assistant physical therapist Salary $82,852 CA August 01, 2026
25% $66,115 10% $57,540 90% $82,852 75% $79,364 $75,533 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out assistant physical therapist jobs in California

Physical Therapist Asst. (PTA)

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Modesto - Empire, CA

Physical Therapist Asst.

Encompass Health - Murrieta, CA

Physical Therapist Asst. (PTA), PRN

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Modesto - Hilmar, CA

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What is a assistant physical therapist ?

The salary of an assistant physical therapist typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific healthcare setting. Assistant physical therapists support licensed physical therapists in providing patient care, including assisting with exercises, preparing treatment areas, and documenting patient progress. Employment opportunities exist in various environments, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, which can enhance overa...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Coachella, CA Avg. Salary $74,865 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Acampo, CA Avg. Salary $79,590 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Acton, CA Avg. Salary $79,799 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Adelanto, CA Avg. Salary $77,280 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Adin, CA Avg. Salary $75,505 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Agoura Hills, CA Avg. Salary $79,597 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Aguanga, CA Avg. Salary $76,648 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Ahwahnee, CA Avg. Salary $75,056 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Alameda, CA Avg. Salary $90,652 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Alamo, CA Avg. Salary $88,155 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Job Openings for assistant physical therapist in California

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    assistant physical therapist


    Associate's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Physical Therapy Attendant

    0 - 1 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

Jobs with a similar salary range to assistant physical therapist : Therapy Technician, Rehab Technician, Pediatric Physical Therapy Assistant