Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The median pay for a physical therapist assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $82,430/year ($39.63/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $102K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $75,763 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 60.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $82K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About physical therapist assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level physical therapist assistants (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $82K.Top earners bring in $102K or more - a $45K spread from bottom to top.
Physical Therapist Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $79K | +21% | 8,430 |
| Massachusetts | $78K | +19% | 2,380 |
| Alaska | $76K | +16% | 100 |
| Texas | $76K | +16% | 11,230 |
| New Jersey | $75K | +14% | 1,350 |
| Connecticut | $74K | +13% | 910 |
| Virginia | $74K | +13% | 3,340 |
| Nevada | $73K | +12% | 590 |
| Washington | $73K | +11% | 2,110 |
| Maryland | $72K | +10% | 1,740 |
| Georgia | $72K | +9% | 2,460 |
| Oregon | $70K | +6% | 770 |
| South Carolina | $68K | +4% | 2,010 |
| Vermont | $68K | +4% | 100 |
| Arkansas | $67K | +3% | 1,540 |
Track physical therapist assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Maria-Santa Barbara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $82,430 a year - that works out to about $39.63 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $56,940, and experienced physical therapist assistants can clear $102,430. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $82K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,214/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 59.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a physical therapist assistants salary go in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Regional Price Parity of 108.8 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median physical therapist assistants salary is worth about $75,763 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do physical therapist assistants get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.