2026 Salary — California
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in California: $118K Median
Physical Therapists in California earn between $89K and $153K per year.
That's +18% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in California is $117,658 per year — +18% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $88,500 (entry, 25th percentile) to $153,400 (90th percentile). California's cost-of-living index is 145. State income tax applies.
Median
$117,658
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$92,040
Experienced
$135,700
Top 10%
$153,400
About Physical Therapists in California
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Physical Therapist Salary in California Metros
Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay calculator.
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | $154,551 |
| Los Angeles | $127,629 |
| San Diego | $117,658 |
| Sacramento | $107,687 |
| Oakland | $139,594 |
| Fresno | $94,725 |
| Long Beach | $119,652 |
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in California
Walk-away anchor: $106,962.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — California
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in California?
The average Physical Therapist salary in California is $117,658 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $88,500 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $153,400 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in California compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in California earn approximately 18% more than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $117,658 in California). California's cost-of-living index of 145 partially offsets the higher salary.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in California increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in California grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $17,827 in 2025 to $117,658 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which California cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Top-paying California metros for Physical Therapists: San Francisco ($155K), Los Angeles ($128K), San Diego ($118K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in California?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. California's top industries include Tech, Entertainment, Agriculture, and the state's unemployment rate is 5.4% — steady demand for skilled workers.
Does California have state income tax?
Yes, California has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $117,658, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with California employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in California?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for California: $106,962.
Methodology
California Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by California's state multiplier (1.18×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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