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Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in California, including See board website and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See board website

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,410 median (21% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the Department of Consumer Affairs~Physical Therapy Board of California.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 79,410, Physical Therapist Assistants in California earn 21% above the national median of 65510. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$79,410

Hourly estimate

$38.18
21% above national median

Difference: +$13,900

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$55,380
  • P2525th percentile$75,750
  • P50Median$79,410
  • P7575th percentile$96,130
  • P9090th percentile$105,210

State vs National Median

State: $79,410
National: $65,510

Total employment: 8430 | Annual openings: null

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California79,410
#2Massachusetts77,780
#3Alaska76,310
#4Texas76,250
#5New Jersey74,780

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$79,410Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$69,510Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$73,080Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$66,110Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2600, Sacramento, CA, 95815

Phone: 9165618200

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Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$85,080Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$71,920Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,910Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in California?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in California is 79,410. Salaries range from 55380 (10th percentile) to 105210 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in California compare to the national average?

Physical Therapist Assistants in California earn 21% above the national median of 65510, with a state median of 79,410.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in California?

California employs approximately 8430 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Physical Therapy Board of California. Review agency details at https://www.ptbc.ca.gov/.