Long Beach vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Long Beach, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,199▲ | $110,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.46▲ | $53.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,213 | $87,685▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,161 | $100,257▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,307 | $137,460▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,146 | $164,008▲ |
| Total Employed | 89 | 9,750▲ |
Verdict
Long Beach and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Long Beach and Los Angeles is $368 (0.33%). Long Beach's median is +5.61% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Long Beach spans $80,933,Los Angeles spans $76,323. Long Beach 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, Long Beach ($98,319 effective) pays 0.75% 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 Long Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,199/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,319)
- ✓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 Long Beach grew -16.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Long Beach, CA
$129,873 (2024) → $108,529 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$99,850 (2019) → $108,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Long Beach or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Long Beach and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Long Beach to Los Angeles as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Long Beach 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