Los Angeles vs Fresno: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,831 | $126,866▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.29 | $60.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,685 | $98,618▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,257 | $104,294▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,460 | $143,628▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,008▲ | $146,282 |
| Total Employed | 9,750▲ | 620 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Fresno are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Fresno is $16,035 (14.47%). Fresno's median is +20.49% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $76,323,Fresno spans $47,664. Los Angeles 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, Fresno ($124,186 effective) pays 27.25% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,008)
- ✓Larger job market (9,750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,866/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,186)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Los Angeles grew 8.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in Fresno over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$99,850 (2019) → $108,170 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$95,510 (2019) → $123,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Los Angeles or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Fresno?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Fresno as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Los Angeles vs Fresno?
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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