Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Camarillo, CA: $94,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Camarillo, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $94,564 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camarillo's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,611 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,517) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing a career as a physical therapist in Camarillo can expect to start with a salary around $94,564, setting a foundation for professional growth in this competitive field. While this entry-level figure is lower than the city’s median salary of $124,517, it reflects a realistic starting point for fresh DPT graduates entering the workforce. Typically, early-career physical therapists will have the potential to progress to salaries as high as $101,563 within a few years, thanks to steady growth opportunities in the industry. With a projected annual job growth rate of 2.46%, Camarillo presents a favorable market for new physical therapists, suggesting ample opportunities for early-career professionals to establish themselves in a supportive community.
About the Camarillo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camarillo
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camarillo
Entry-level physical therapists in Camarillo, CA typically start between $94,564 and $101,563 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,086 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,517 — 18.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in California of $140,000 represents just 148.05% of the starting physical therapist pay ($94,564/year) in Camarillo. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Camarillo
- 1Research the Camarillo market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $94,564 to $101,563, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camarillo, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Camarillo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Camarillo's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Camarillo is $67,086 ( 70.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $94,564, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,650.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,323
2025 BLS Actual
$92,294
2026 Current Est.
$94,564
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Camarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,323 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,251 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,891 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Camarillo, CA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,323 in 2019 to $92,294 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,891. New graduates entering the Camarillo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camarillo metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Camarillo
In Camarillo, various facilities are key employers for entry-level physical therapists, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico, which often prioritize hiring new graduates and provide structured productivity ramp-ups. Additionally, hospital systems here may offer residency programs that not only enhance skillsets but also lead to board certification—a vital credential for career advancement. Meanwhile, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare typically offer higher starting pay but may present different work environments. New graduates in California should consider obtaining their DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and acquiring a state PT license. Engaging in further education like optional residencies or obtaining board specializations such as OCS or SCS can significantly impact initial earnings. In this evolving industry context, early-career salary progressions may be more pronounced during the first three years, and aligning oneself with reputable organizations will enhance overall career trajectory in the long run.
More salary data for Camarillo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Camarillo in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Camarillo?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Camarillo?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Camarillo?
How do I become a physical therapist in California?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Camarillo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camarillo is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov