Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Chula Vista, CA: $56.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Chula Vista, CA runs $56.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Chula Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,073 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, California, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $56.15, which is notably higher than the national median of $50.62. This advantageous hourly wage directly benefits both full-time and part-time physical therapists, especially those opting for part-time work three days a week, which positions them favorably within the local healthcare market. Working primarily in outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, or skilled nursing facilities, professionals in this field can expect a range from $38.07 per hour at the entry level to $75.50 for top earners. Such competitive hourly pay reflects not only the demand for specialized therapy services but also the higher cost of living in the area, directly influencing the compensation structures within various settings including sports performance centers and home health visits.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.07 | $304.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.40 | $379.18 |
| Median (P50) | $56.15 | $449.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.90 | $535.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.50 | $604.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chula Vista
Based on $56.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.15/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chula Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $116,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,378. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chula Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chula Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,245.92 | $9,732 | $116,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,347.55 | $5,839 | $70,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $898.37 | $3,893 | $46,715 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Chula Vista) | $56.15 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $116,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.92% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 9.20% below the California state average of $128,619.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.15/hr = $70,073/year (purchasing power: $61,957).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,788/year (purchasing power: $103,261).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Chula Vista grew 14.9% from $47.70/hr (2019) to $54.80/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.53/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Chula Vista
For physical therapists in Chula Vista, a part-time schedule (approximately 24 hours a week) can yield significant discrepancies compared to full-time earnings, summing up to an annual take-home that is considerably lower but still viable within the city's market context. Per diem physical therapists might bill anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized travel therapists could command weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends for housing and meals. Employment across different types of facilities reveals varied compensation; traditional outpatient orthopedic clinics often pay less than hospital settings, where comprehensive benefits accompany higher hourly rates. For therapists seeking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding local market conditions and being aware of the benefits trade-off are essential strategies. Those prioritizing a higher hourly rate might consider positions without health insurance, while others may accept lower pay in exchange for stability and benefits from larger healthcare systems in Chula Vista.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Chula Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Chula Vista?
Are physical therapists in Chula Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Chula Vista?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chula Vista?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Chula Vista. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chula Vista 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