📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Physical Therapists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$149,498
per year
Median
$145,919
per year
Hourly
$71.87
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$113,657
25th Percentile — Junior$130,129
50th Percentile — Median$145,919
75th Percentile — Senior$167,191
90th Percentile — Top Earners$176,547
💡 Top-earning Physical Therapistss in California make up to $176,547 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$121.7k
2021
$126.8k
2022
$132.1k
2023
$137.7k
2024
$143.5k
2025
$149.5k
2026
📈 Physical Therapists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Physical Therapists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $231,722 +55.0% High
San Diego $221,257 +48.0% High
San Jose $257,137 +72.0% High
San Francisco $276,571 +85.0% High
Fresno $161,458 +8.0% High
Sacramento $182,388 +22.0% High
Long Beach $216,772 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $161,458 +8.0% High
Anaheim $212,287 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $209,297 +40.0% High
Riverside $191,357 +28.0% High
Stockton $176,408 +18.0% High
Irvine $231,722 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $176,408 +18.0% High
Modesto $167,438 +12.0% High
Fontana $182,388 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $171,923 +15.0% High
Glendale $221,257 +48.0% High
Fremont $239,197 +60.0% High
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Physical Therapists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Physical Therapistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $149,498 per year, California's Physical Therapists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $113,657–$130,129, while experienced Physical Therapistss can command $167,191–$176,547.

Looking ahead, the Physical Therapists profession in California is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Physical Therapists salary in California is $149,498 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $105,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Physical Therapistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Physical Therapists employment.
  • At $149,498/year, California Physical Therapists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $105,280/year.