Los Angeles vs Oakland: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Oakland, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,831 | $148,783▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.29 | $71.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,685 | $106,379▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,257 | $120,662▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,460 | $181,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,008 | $206,810▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,750▲ | 78 |
Verdict
Oakland, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Oakland is $37,952 (34.24%). Oakland's median is +41.31% 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,Oakland spans $100,431. Oakland 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, Oakland ($131,550 effective) pays 34.80% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (9,750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,783/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,810)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,550)
- ✓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 9.7% growth in Oakland over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$99,850 (2019) → $108,170 (2025)
Oakland, CA
$132,389 (2024) → $145,211 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Oakland, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Los Angeles or Oakland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Oakland?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Oakland as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Los Angeles vs Oakland?
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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