Physical Therapists Salary in California

How much does a Physical Therapists make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$115,550
Median Annual Salary
$114,270
Mean Salary
$115,550
Median Salary
$55.55
Hourly Rate
24,200 people work as Physical Therapists in California

About This Job: Physical Therapists

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Social Perceptiveness
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.61
Therapy and Counseling
4.59
Medicine and Dentistry
4.57
Psychology
4.11
Education and Training
3.98
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (47.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Physical Therapists in California

Salaries for Physical Therapists in California range from $76,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $154,170 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $96,490 and $132,580.

Median $115,550
P10: $76,990 P25: $96,490 P75: $132,580 P90: $154,170
10th
$76,990
25th
$96,490
Median
$115,550
75th
$132,580
90th
$154,170
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $76,990 $37.01 $6,415
25th Percentile $96,490 $46.39 $8,040
Median (50th) $115,550 $55.55 $9,629
75th Percentile $132,580 $63.74 $11,048
90th Percentile (Experienced) $154,170 $74.12 $12,847

Note: The mean (average) salary of $114,270 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Physical Therapists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Physical Therapists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Physical Therapists Salary by State

Compare Physical Therapists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in California is $115,550 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $114,270.
What is the salary range for a Physical Therapists in California?
Salaries for Physical Therapists in California range from $76,990 at the 10th percentile to $154,170 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $96,490 and $132,580.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapists in California?
Entry-level Physical Therapists positions in California typically start around $76,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $96,490 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physical Therapists in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 24,200 people are employed as Physical Therapists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Physical Therapists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physical Therapists in California is approximately $55.55 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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