California Physical Therapist Income Guide 2024

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for a physical therapist in California is expected to grow by 29% in the next 10 years. The question that hits constantly is a physical therapist's income and why is there such a growing demand? As of 2024, a Physical therapist in California on average earns approximately $113,001. The income for physical therapists can differ based on their experience level, the type of clinic they work in, and their area of specialization. Entry-level therapists typically earn less, while those with more experience and advanced skills or certifications tend to earn more. 

In this blog, we will understand the difference in a physical therapist’s income, and what are the contributing factors, the regional differences, and the impending professional opportunities. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Physical Therapist Salary Trends in California

When it comes to an entry-level position, a physical therapist's income typically starts around $109,503. Meanwhile, for a more experienced therapist, the salary range increases to $117,013. This variation is not only dependent on the experience and facility one works in but also varies statewide. Let’s understand the comparison with a broader spectrum.

California vs. National Salary Comparison

Nationally, the median salary for physical therapists is around $99,710, while California stands out as one of the highest-paying states in the field. The state's significantly higher salaries are influenced by its elevated cost of living and the robust demand for healthcare services. 

Below is a comparison of the median annual salaries for physical therapists in California and the national average.

Want to learn more about how you can increase your income as a physical therapist in California? SPRYPT provides career resources and mentorship opportunities to help you thrive. Click here to explore!

Let us discuss these key drivers influencing higher salaries in detail. 

Factors Influencing Physical Therapist Salaries in California

Several key factors contribute to the higher-than-average salaries for physical therapists in California. These include the cost of living, regional demand, and the level of expertise required for specialized roles.

‍

• High Cost of Living

California’s cost of living, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, is among the highest in the country. This drives up salary expectations as employers offer higher compensation to match the expensive lifestyle, directly impacting physical therapist pay.

• Salary Variations by City

Physical therapist income differs widely depending on location. For example, therapists in San Francisco can earn around $141,301, while those in Sacramento average closer to $126,200. These variations are due to factors like local demand, cost of living, and job availability in each region.

• Experience and Career Growth

Experience significantly affects earning potential. Entry-level physical therapists in California typically start at around $109,503, but after 5-8 years in the field, salaries can rise to $116,280. This progression shows how valuable experience is in determining pay.

• Impact of Education and Certifications

Higher incomes can be achieved through advanced education and specialized certifications. Physical therapists with advanced degrees or certifications in specific areas like Pediatric Physical Therapy, Vestibular and Balance Therapy, Pre and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation, Sports therapy and rehabilitation, etc., might earn higher compensation since their skills are in great demand.

Interested in advancing your career as a physical therapist? SPRYPT offers tools and resources to help you maximize your earning potential. Schedule a demo today!

Top Paying Cities for Physical Therapists in California

Physical therapist income varies greatly throughout California, with metropolitan locations giving some of the best pay in the country. The following are the top cities where physical therapists earn the most.

• San Francisco: Due to its high cost of living and high demand for healthcare services, San Francisco has the highest median annual wage of approximately $131,050 and leads as one of the highest-paying cities for physical therapists.
• Los Angeles: Physical therapists in Los Angeles earn around $117,000 annually, profiting from the vast population and different healthcare demands.
• San Diego: In San Diego, the average pay is over $112,000, reflecting the city's thriving healthcare industry and appealing lifestyle.
• San Jose: Due to the city's closeness with tech hubs and IT industries, San Jose is regarded as a wealthy city. Therefore,  it provides physical therapists with an advantage in earning more, with an average of $131,930. 
• Sacramento: Physical therapists make an average of $131,760 and are in high demand in both public and commercial healthcare settings.

Work Environment and Salary Variations

In California, the salary for physical therapists can vary a lot depending on where they work. A better work environment and having specialized skills often lead to higher pay. Let’s explore this more closely. 

• Private Clinics vs. Public Settings:some text
  • Physical therapists in private clinics generally earn higher salaries than those working in public settings like government hospitals.
  • However, public sector employees often receive better benefits (such as healthcare, and pensions) and enjoy greater job stability compared to their private sector counterparts.
• Specializations and Higher Pay:some text
  • Specializing in fields such as pediatrics, orthopedics, or neurology often leads to higher pay.
  • The niche expertise required in these specializations results in greater demand, allowing therapists to command premium salaries.
• Large Hospitals vs. Ambulatory Care Centers:some text
  • Physical therapists working in large hospitals tend to earn higher salaries compared to those employed in smaller ambulatory care centers or clinics.
  • Ambulatory settings may offer more flexible hours, but the pay scales are generally lower than in larger hospitals.

Keep track of your clinic's performance with real-time metrics with the help of SPRYPT today. Click here to learn more.

Generic Salaries Overview

• Entry-level physical therapists generally earn around $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the location and type of facility.
• Experienced physical therapists with specialized expertise or who work in high-demand areas can earn between $90,000 to $120,000, with variations based on geographic region, specialization, and work setting.
• Public sector therapists typically earn less in base salary but may benefit from better long-term benefits such as pensions and comprehensive health coverage.

Hourly Wages and Contract Options

Hourly wages and contract options provide physical therapists with additional avenues for income and work-life balance. The mean hourly wage for physical therapists in California is approximately $71.82, although this can vary based on experience and location. 

This figure is notably higher than the national average of about $53.13, making California one of the most lucrative states for this profession. Therefore, choosing hourly contracts offers physical therapists flexibility in their work schedules. 

This option is particularly appealing for those seeking part-time work or managing multiple jobs, allowing for a better work-life balance.

Hourly wages can vary based on several factors, including:

• Experience: More experienced therapists typically command higher rates.
• Location: Salaries differ across cities; for instance, physical therapists in San Jose earn an average of $65.58 per hour, while those in Los Angeles earn around $72 per hour.
• Type of Facility: Therapists working in outpatient care centers tend to earn more, averaging about $59.57 per hour, compared to those in general medical hospitals, who earn around $50.25 per hour.

Also, the salary varies with the type of contract options

• Hourly Contracts: Many physical therapists opt for hourly contracts, which provide flexibility in their work schedules. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for those seeking part-time work or managing multiple jobs, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Travel Therapy: Travel therapists take on temporary assignments in various locations, often earning higher wages due to short-term contracts and additional benefits such as housing stipends. For example, travel therapists can earn upwards of $80 per hour, depending on the assignment and location. However, frequent relocations can pose challenges, including adjusting to new environments and maintaining personal relationships.

Physical therapists in California benefit from competitive hourly wages and various contract options that enhance their work-life balance and income potential. By considering factors such as location, specialization, and employment type, therapists can strategically navigate their careers for optimal financial and personal satisfaction.

As you navigate your career and clinic management, optimizing your billing process is key to financial success. With SPRY’s Billing Software, you can maximize revenue, streamline operations, and get reimbursed faster. Upgrade your billing today! 

Now that we have learned about hourly compensation and contract options, let us further understand the employment growth and compensation outlook in detail. 

Salary Outlook and Employment Growth

Physical therapy positions in California appear to have a bright future, with substantial growth predicted in the upcoming years. As noted before, the demand for physical therapists is predicted to expand by 29% over the next decade. Thus, the aging population of California and the growing emphasis on preventative healthcare are the main forces behind this upward tendency. In addition, there is a growing need for qualified professionals due to factors including the population growth of California and increased awareness of the advantages of physical therapy for sports injuries, post-operative treatment, and managing chronic illnesses.

However, employment prospects are growing in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities, offering prospective physical therapists a range of career options.  Below is a closer look at projected employment growth, salary expectations, and the key factors driving these trends.

Employment Growth

California is experiencing a substantial surge in demand for physical therapists. Between 2020 and 2030, employment for PTs is expected to grow by 19%, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the state. This robust growth is primarily driven by an aging population that requires more rehabilitation services and an increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare.

• Job Openings: California is projected to see approximately 1,550 new job openings annually for physical therapists, reflecting both new positions and replacement needs. This demand is particularly strong in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities, offering physical therapists a wide range of career opportunities.

Salary Outlook

Physical therapists in California are among the highest-paid in the country. The state’s elevated salaries reflect both the cost of living and the high demand for healthcare services.

• Average Salary: PTs in California earn an annual mean wage of approximately $114,270, positioning the state at the top for physical therapy salaries.
• Comparison with Other States: In comparison, Nevada and New Jersey offer average annual wages of $111,460 and $110,830 respectively, but still fall short of California's compensation levels.

Here is a breakdown of the average income in different states to give a clearer picture of how physical therapist salaries vary across the U.S. This table highlights the salary differences based on location, helping you understand regional compensation trends for physical therapists.

Factors Driving Demand

Several factors are contributing to the rising demand for physical therapy services in California, making it an attractive field for both current professionals and those entering the industry.

• Aging Population: California’s growing elderly population is a significant driver of demand. As baby boomers age, more individuals require rehabilitation for age-related health conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and balance issues, all of which are effectively managed through physical therapy.
• Preventive Healthcare: There is a rising focus on preventive care and wellness, positioning physical therapy as a key component of overall health management. People are increasingly seeking physical therapy services to prevent injuries and manage chronic conditions, contributing to the growing demand for PTs across the state.
• Increased Awareness: Public awareness of the benefits of physical therapy has grown considerably. From sports injury recovery to post-operative rehabilitation and chronic illness management, more people are recognizing the role of physical therapy in improving quality of life. This heightened awareness is leading to increased utilization of physical therapy services statewide.
• Stat Example: By 2030, California’s elderly population is expected to exceed 9 million, which will dramatically increase the need for rehabilitation services.

Loan Forgiveness Programs for Physical Therapists

For physical therapists who are struggling with debt from their schooling, loan forgiveness programs provide an alluring alternative. Therefore, physical therapists working in qualified public or nonprofit organizations can apply for federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which provide a means of financial relief.

Additionally, California supports state-specific initiatives like the California State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), which grants therapists practicing in underprivileged areas a partial loan forgiveness.

Therapists usually have to work in specific facilities for at least 10 years and make 120 qualifying payments to be eligible for these loan forgiveness programs. To be considered, applicants must submit their applications and employment documentation.

Conclusion

If you are looking to start your career as a Physical Therapist or wondering if it's still fruitful to continue your career as a Physical therapist, the income potential in California proves to be promising. Therefore, it is evident that as a physical therapist in California, you have a rewarding career path. Additionally, according to various reports, it is clear that the salaries of physical therapists regularly surpass the national average.

If you’re ready to advance your physical therapy career, SPRYPT is your trusted partner. SPRYPT offers powerful tools designed to streamline your clinic operations, from automated billing to real-time performance tracking. 

With features like intuitive software integrations and seamless management solutions, SPRYPT empowers you to focus on what matters most—delivering quality care to your patients. Ready to elevate your career? Book a demo today and discover how SPRY PT can help you thrive!