Bakersfield vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bakersfield, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,577▲ | $110,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.81▲ | $53.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,718▲ | $87,685 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,042▲ | $100,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,413▲ | $137,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,217 | $164,008▲ |
| Total Employed | 310 | 9,750▲ |
Verdict
Bakersfield and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and Los Angeles is $17,746 (16.01%). Bakersfield's median is +22.12% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $59,499,Los Angeles spans $76,323. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bakersfield ($127,448 effective) pays 30.59% more than Los Angeles ($97,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,577/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,448)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,008)
- ✓Larger job market (9,750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bakersfield grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$110,530 (2019) → $125,490 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$99,850 (2019) → $108,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bakersfield or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bakersfield and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Bakersfield to Los Angeles as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bakersfield vs Los Angeles?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov