Physical Therapist Salary in California
Physical Therapists in California earn an average of $116,832 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$116,832
per year
Hourly Rate
$56.17
per hour
vs National
+17.2%
$99,710 national
Salary Range
$76,307
to $167,932
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$116,832
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$82,276
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Physical Therapist's salary of $116,832 has the purchasing power of $82,276 in an average-cost area.
Physical Therapist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $136,288 | $65.52/hr | $90,199 | $196,931 | 293 |
| San Francisco, CA | $135,242 | $65.02/hr | $90,418 | $190,973 | 280 |
| San Diego, CA | $112,462 | $54.07/hr | $71,679 | $164,086 | 218 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $109,846 | $52.81/hr | $69,641 | $155,899 | 304 |
| Sacramento, CA | $103,845 | $49.93/hr | $67,967 | $152,140 | 234 |
| Riverside, CA | $103,309 | $49.67/hr | $67,940 | $147,560 | 190 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Physical Therapist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,519 Physical Therapists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Physical Therapist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$76,307
Starting salary for new Physical Therapists
Median (50th Percentile)
$116,832
Mid-career Physical Therapist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$167,932
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$30,884 vs Physical Therapist
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
-$7,243 vs Physical Therapist
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
-$11,264 vs Physical Therapist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$46,211 vs Physical Therapist
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$72,682 vs Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Physical Therapist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Physical Therapist Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in California?
The average Physical Therapist salary in California is $116,832 per year ($56.17/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.2% above the national average of $99,710.
What is the highest paying city for Physical Therapists in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Physical Therapists in California, with a median salary of $136,288 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $103,309.
What is the salary range for Physical Therapists in California?
Physical Therapist salaries in California range from $76,307 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $167,932 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $116,832 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.