Physical Therapist Salaries in California — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Physical Therapists in California earn an average of $123,300 per year ($59.28/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 24,380 physical therapists.
Physical Therapist salaries in California are above the national average by approximately $23,434. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
California's strong economy and high demand for skilled workers drive competitive wages for physical therapists.
California Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in California after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — California Physical Therapist Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the California median of $123,300.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — California
Physical Therapist Salary Trend in California — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, California has seen 13.9% wage growth for physical therapists — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in California's healthcare and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist Salary by City — California
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $136,850 | $65.79 | +11.0% | 8,533 |
| San Francisco | $130,700 | $62.84 | +6.0% | 6,826 |
| San Diego | $127,000 | $61.06 | +3.0% | 4,388 |
| San Jose | $118,350 | $56.90 | -4.0% | 2,194 |
| Sacramento | $112,200 | $53.94 | -9.0% | 1,462 |
| Fresno | $107,250 | $51.56 | -13.0% | 975 |
Tip: Los Angeles offers the highest physical therapist salaries in California at $136,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
California vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, California sits in the mid-range for physical therapists.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook in California
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for physical therapists in California is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the California job market. California's strong economy and high demand for skilled workers drive competitive wages for physical therapists.
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in California
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in California typically adds $101,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Los Angeles pays physical therapists $136,850/yr — +11.0% above the California average. Simply relocating within California can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in California. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Oregon pays physical therapists $104,430/yr — -15.3% vs California.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in California
Live ListingsSearch current physical therapist job vacancies in California:
🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in California — Indeed→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in California — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs — Los Angeles, CA→