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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 $300 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$300

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al: $300 (Biennial

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Fees: Application: $300.

  3. 3

    License: $150.

  4. 4

    Renewal: $300 (Biennial).

  5. 5

    National examination: $485 to the Federation

    • $84 to the Prometric testing center.
  6. 6

    Examination on California law & regulation: $65 to the Federation

    • $29 to the Prometric testing center.
  7. 7

    Criminal history background check based on fingerprints: $49.

Exam and processing details

  • $485 to the Federation
  • $84 to the Prometric testing center. on California law & regulation: $65 to the Federation
  • $29 to the Prometric testing center. Criminal history background check based on fingerprints: $49 Frequency: Fixed Date testing 4 times a year. Locations: Throughout California and most other states. Experience

Continuing education and program notes

  • center
Fee TypeAmount
Application$300
License$150

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $300

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al: $300 (Biennial

  4. Salary Position

    $79,410 median (21% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: $485 to the Federation; $84 to the Prometric testing center. on California law & regulation: $65 to the Federation; $29 to the Prometric testing center. Criminal history backgro....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $300.; Criminal history background check based on fingerprints: $49.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Application: $300; License: $150).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Physical Therapy Board of California and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al: $300 (Biennial).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $79,410, Physical Therapist Assistants in California earn 21% above the national median of $65,510. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

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: 8,430 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$79,410
#2Massachusetts$77,780
#3Alaska$76,310
#4Texas$76,250
#5New Jersey$74,780

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$79,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$69,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$73,080Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Arizona$66,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

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. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

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

Phone: 9165618200

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state board1-12 months
Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
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FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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 $55,380 (10th percentile) to $105,210 (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 $65,510, with a state median of $79,410.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in California?

California employs approximately 8,430 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. Verify directly with the agency.

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/.

How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al: $300 (Biennial.