Physical Therapist Salary in California
Based on 27K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$124,190
$59.71/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
+22.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$86K – $164K
27K employed in California
Physical therapists in California earn a median salary of $124,190 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 22 percent. With approximately 26,580 physical therapists currently employed throughout the state, California's healthcare market offers competitive compensation that reflects the region's higher cost of living and robust demand for rehabilitation services.
Salaries for physical therapist positions in California typically range from $85,580 to $163,960 annually, with variation driven by factors including years of experience, specialized certifications, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco generally command higher wages, while workplace setting—whether hospital, private practice, or outpatient clinic—also influences earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,580 |
| 25th percentile | $100,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,190 |
| 75th percentile | $141,260 |
| 90th percentile | $163,960 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physical Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physical Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physical Therapists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $120,530 | 30 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | 60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | 249K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,230 |
| 2023 | $115,550 |
| 2024 | $123,300 |
| 2025 | $124,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,086 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,230 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $115,550 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $123,300 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $124,190 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,086 | $102,351 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $100,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $141,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $163,960 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Physical Therapist ($124,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +184.6% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +152.7% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +142.6% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +135.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +117.9% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +102.9% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +72.4% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +64.1% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +62.1% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +49.5% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +35.7% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +33.6% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in California?
- Physical therapists in California earn a median salary of $124,190 per year, or approximately $60 per hour. This is 22.2% higher than the national average, making California one of the most lucrative states for this profession.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in California?
- Physical therapist salaries in California range from $85,580 at the lower end to $163,960 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer type.
How many physical therapists are employed in California?
- There are currently 26,580 physical therapists employed in California. This represents a significant employment base for the profession in the state.
Is a physical therapist career better paid in California than the national average?
- Yes, physical therapists in California earn 22.2% more than the national average, with a median salary of $124,190 compared to lower national figures. This makes California an attractive state for physical therapists seeking higher compensation.