Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Davis, CA: $59.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Davis, CA runs $59.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,435 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Davis's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,663 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physical therapists in Davis, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $59.83, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This favorable rate is advantageous for both part-time and per-diem workers, who often find opportunities in various settings such as outpatient clinics, home health visits, and skilled nursing facilities. With hourly earnings ranging from $45.31 for entry-level positions to $77.40 for highly experienced therapists, professionals in this field have the potential to maximize their income based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from annual salary data, illustrating that physical therapist hourly pay in Davis reflects the region's cost of living and demand for qualified therapists.
About the Davis 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) | $45.31 | $362.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.06 | $400.50 |
| Median (P50) | $59.83 | $478.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.48 | $571.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.40 | $619.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davis
Based on $59.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.83/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davis, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,439 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,792. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Davis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,393.06 | $10,370 | $124,439 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,435.83 | $6,222 | $74,663 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $957.22 | $4,148 | $49,776 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Davis) | $59.83 |
| 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 Davis, CA earn a median of $124,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.19% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.20% below the California state average of $128,548.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.83/hr = $74,663/year (purchasing power: $66,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,439/year (purchasing power: $110,026).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Davis grew 14.9% from $50.82/hr (2019) to $58.39/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.30/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 Davis 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 Davis
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time physical therapists reveals that those working three days a week can take home approximately $74,160 annually, a substantial difference from full-time salaries. Many per-diem physical therapists in Davis will find themselves billing between $50 and $75 an hour, while travel contracts may offer lucrative weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, including benefits. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide lower hourly rates but offer greater job stability and benefits, while skilled nursing facilities and pediatric clinics have their own compensation structures. It's crucial for professionals to weigh the benefits of stable employment against higher hourly pay for those willing to work without benefits. Negotiation strategies can help physical therapists in Davis secure favorable terms, ensuring their hourly compensation aligns with their experience and the demands of their practice areas.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Davis in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Davis?
Are physical therapists in Davis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Davis?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Davis?
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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 Davis. 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 Davis 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