How many PTA programs are in California?

California has 24 CAPTE-accredited PTA programs—more than any other state. Programs are distributed across the state from community colleges to private universities. Costs range from $5,000 (community college) to $40,000+ (private). PT Tech experience and letters of recommendation are important for competitive programs.

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Physical Therapy Technician helping patient with mobility exercises

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

PT Techs support Physical Therapists and PTAs in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions.

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Patient Support

Assist patients with exercises, transfers, and mobility. Help with therapeutic equipment and modalities.

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Clinic Operations

Prepare treatment areas, maintain equipment, manage supplies, and ensure clean, safe environments.

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Documentation

Record patient progress, schedule appointments, and support administrative functions under PT supervision.

Where PT Techs Work in California

California offers diverse PT settings from major hospital systems to specialized sports medicine clinics.

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Outpatient Clinics

Private PT practices, orthopedic clinics, and multi-specialty centers.

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Hospitals

Acute care, inpatient rehab, and post-surgical recovery units.

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Sports Medicine

Athletic training facilities, sports rehab centers, and team clinics.

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Skilled Nursing

Long-term care facilities and home health agencies serving seniors.

California PT Tech Salary Data

CA PT Techs earn 13% above national average. Location significantly impacts pay.

Region	Salary Range	Notes
Metro California (Major metro areas)	$49K-$53K	Highest wages, urban centers
Suburban California (Suburban counties)	$42K-$49K	Balanced cost/salary
Central California (Central regions)	$38K-$44K	Growing healthcare sector
Rural California (Rural areas)	$36K-$40K	Lower COL, community focus

Top PT Tech Employers in California

These healthcare systems and facilities actively hire Physical Therapy Technicians across California.

Kaiser Permanente

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📍 Statewide

📞 800-464-4000

Largest HMO, extensive PT services

Dignity Health

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📍 San Francisco/Statewide

📞 415-438-5500

Major Catholic health system

Cedars-Sinai

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📍 Los Angeles

📞 310-423-3277

Premier LA medical center

Stanford Health Care

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📍 Palo Alto

📞 650-723-4000

Academic medicine leader

ATI Physical Therapy

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📍 Statewide

📞 855-692-8448

Major outpatient PT chain

Sutter Health

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📍 Northern California

📞 855-398-1631

Major Northern CA health system

California PT Tech FAQs

Common questions about Physical Therapy Technician careers in California.

Why does California have the highest PT Tech employment in the nation?

California employs nearly 9,000 PT Techs/Aides—more than any other state—due to its population (39 million), active lifestyle culture, large elderly population, and extensive healthcare infrastructure. The state's emphasis on preventive care and rehabilitation creates consistent demand across all regions.

How does California's minimum wage affect PT Tech pay?

California's $16/hour minimum wage (higher in some cities) establishes a floor that pushes PT Tech wages up. Entry-level positions start around $17-18/hour, with experienced techs earning $22-28/hour. This is significantly higher than most states, though California's cost of living is also higher.

What's the difference between Northern and Southern California for PT careers?

Northern California (Bay Area) has higher wages but extreme housing costs—PT Techs often commute long distances or have roommates. Southern California (LA, San Diego) has slightly lower wages but more job variety and (somewhat) more affordable inland areas. Central Valley offers the best affordability but fewer opportunities.

Is Kaiser Permanente a good employer for PT Techs in California?

Kaiser is one of California's best PT employers, offering union representation (in most facilities), excellent benefits, pension plans, and tuition reimbursement. The tradeoff is a structured environment with less autonomy than private practice. Kaiser PT Tech positions are competitive but offer exceptional stability.

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