Physical Therapy Assistant
How this pay compares
This posting states $38.74 an hour. Open physical therapist assistant jobs in California post a median of $42.83 an hour, the middle half $40–$47.50, across 73 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post. Physical therapist assistants employed in California earn a median of $39.96 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, opens in a new tab).
Physical therapist assistants in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
Physical Therapy Assistant
Minimum Qualifications
- Degree: Associates Degree.
- Education: Graduate from a college or university accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Minimum of two years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant, including at least 12 months of full-time orthopedic experience within the last 24 months.
- License: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a physical therapy assistant or possess current certification as a physical therapy assistant/technician as determined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Core Duties
- Carry out a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients, as directed by the physical therapist. Under supervision, administer such treatment as exercise, gait training, massage, whirlpool, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs and traction. Instruct patients on segments of the program including proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices.
- Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment. Instruct, motivate, and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities.
- Observe patients during treatments and compile and evaluate data on patients' responses to treatments and progress and report orally or in writing to the physical therapist.
- Fit patients for, adjust, and train patients in the use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
- Confer with members of the physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs. Coordinate with other departments and the clinic staff to provide complete care to patients.
Pay Rate: $38.74/hr.
H&W: $4.93/hr.
PTO: accrued (80hrs annually)
Sick Leave: Accrued (56hrs annually)
Holidays: 11 paid annually
From CentralCare's job posting, checked Oct 29, 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About CentralCare
CentralCare hires nurses, advanced practice providers and mental health staff in Texas, Hawaii, New Jersey, California and New Mexico.
Hires in Texas, Hawaii, New Jersey, California, New MexicoPay on its listings: 76.7% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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