Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Folsom, CA: $65.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Folsom, CA runs $65.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,573 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Folsom's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,338 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Folsom, California, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists is $65.17, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $50.62. This advantageous pay level creates appealing job opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within various settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, hospital inpatient rehab units, and skilled nursing facility therapy rooms. With hourly rates ranging from $47.00 at the 10th percentile to $84.20 for the top earners, Folsom gives physical therapists a competitive edge, particularly in a market where the cost of living index stands at 113.1. This places pressure on local therapists but also highlights the potential for higher wages, as pay often reflects the experience and specialization within therapy roles, from entry-level to seasoned professionals in diverse environments, including sports performance centers and home health visits.
About the Folsom 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) | $47.00 | $375.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.91 | $423.28 |
| Median (P50) | $65.17 | $521.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.23 | $609.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.20 | $673.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Folsom
Based on $65.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.17/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Folsom, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,210. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Folsom.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Folsom
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,606.99 | $11,297 | $135,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,564.20 | $6,778 | $81,338 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.80 | $4,519 | $54,225 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Folsom) | $65.17 |
| 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 Folsom, CA earn a median of $135,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.76% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 5.40% above the California state average of $128,627.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.17/hr = $81,338/year (purchasing power: $71,917).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,564/year (purchasing power: $119,862).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Folsom (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Folsom grew 14.9% from $55.36/hr (2019) to $63.61/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.78/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 Folsom 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 Folsom
Part-time physical therapists in Folsom, working three days a week for a total of 24 hours, could expect to bring home approximately $81,385 annually, an income that provides flexibility while still offering substantial earning potential compared to full-time roles. In contrast, per-diem physical therapists often find themselves billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contracts can yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800. For those specialized in sports or orthopedic therapy in high-cost living areas, cash-pay models allow for billing rates of $150 to $250 per hour. Salary variations also hinge on employer types; outpatient clinics often adjust their physical therapist hourly rates and benefit packages, creating a trade-off for therapists considering higher hourly wages without the security of health benefits. When negotiating, it’s advisable for therapists in Folsom to assess the overall compensation package, including benefits, and clearly communicate their experience, which can enhance their value to a prospective employer or agency.
More salary data for Folsom, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Folsom in 2026?
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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 Folsom. 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 Folsom 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