Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| California | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $124,190 | $104,506 | +19% |
| Median hourly wage | $59.71 | $50.24 | +19% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $112,186.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $154,551 | $120,900 | $178,250 | 244 |
| Oakland | $139,594 | $109,200 | $161,000 | 196 |
| Los Angeles | $127,629 | $99,840 | $147,200 | 173 |
| Long Beach | $119,652 | $93,600 | $138,000 | 153 |
| San Diego | $117,658 | $92,040 | $135,700 | 161 |
| Sacramento | $107,687 | $84,240 | $124,200 | 130 |
| Fresno | $94,725 | $74,100 | $109,250 | 105 |
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist in California is $124,190, or about $59.71 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Physical Therapists is $104,506. California is +19% above the national median.
Entry-level physical therapists in California typically earn from $120,900 depending on the city and employer.
With 26,580 physical therapist jobs on record and a median salary of $124,190, California offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.