Fullerton vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fullerton, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fullerton, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,081▲ | $110,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.50▲ | $53.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,508▲ | $87,685 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,789▲ | $100,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,658▲ | $137,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,818▲ | $164,008 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 9,750▲ |
Verdict
Fullerton, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Fullerton and Los Angeles is $21,250 (19.17%). Fullerton's median is +25.45% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fullerton spans $81,310,Los Angeles spans $76,323. Fullerton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fullerton ($116,782 effective) pays 19.66% 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 Fullerton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,818)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,782)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓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 Fullerton grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Fullerton, CA
$126,638 (2024) → $128,910 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$99,850 (2019) → $108,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fullerton, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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