Physical Therapy Technician salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 1 to 12 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$38,330/ yr
$3,194 / mo · $18.43 / hr
↑ $3,090 above the national median ($35,240)
Pay by experience
Entry
$34,694
Median
$38,330
Experienced
$60,195
Demand
Stable
Program length
1 to 12 months
Projected growth
+2.8%
Annual openings
6,600
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$38,330
2025 national
$35,240
2024 national
$34,520
↑ +2.1% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+2.8% projected growth through 2034
6,600 average annual openings nationwide for Physical Therapy Technicians.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$2,377
- Time to complete1 to 12 months
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$34,694
- Median salary$38,330
- Experienced salary$60,195
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Physical Therapy Technician in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Physical Therapy Technician program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Physical Therapy Technician tracks complete in 1 to 12 months and average $2,377 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 6,600 Physical Therapy Technician openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Physical Therapy Technician in California is $38,330 per year, which is $18.43 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $34,694 while experienced Physical Therapy Technicians can earn up to $60,195 annually.
Next step
Find Physical Therapy Technician Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Physical Therapy Technician classes in your area.