Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $64.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Fontana, CA runs $64.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,226 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $64.28, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This premium reflects the region's competitive landscape for healthcare professionals, especially in typical settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, and schools. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income, enabling flexibility while still earning a competitive rate. Likewise, those in per-diem roles benefit from hourly pay that varies from $44.61 for entry-level positions to as high as $87.37 for experienced therapists or specialists. These figures, derived from projected annual salaries, highlight Fontana's robust opportunities for physical therapy practitioners, catering to diverse therapeutic environments including sports medicine facilities and home health visits.
About the Fontana 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) | $44.61 | $356.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.15 | $409.18 |
| Median (P50) | $64.28 | $514.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.29 | $618.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.37 | $698.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $64.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.28/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,140. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,571.34 | $11,142 | $133,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,542.80 | $6,685 | $80,226 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,028.53 | $4,457 | $53,484 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Fontana) | $64.28 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $133,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.00% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 4.00% above the California state average of $128,569.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.28/hr = $80,226/year (purchasing power: $70,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,709/year (purchasing power: $118,222).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Fontana grew 14.9% from $54.61/hr (2019) to $62.74/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.86/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
When examining the financial outlook for physical therapists in Fontana, part-time professionals can realistically expect their annual earnings to be lower than their full-time counterparts yet still viable due to the favorable hourly pay. For example, working 24 hours a week as a part-time physical therapist allows for a respectable take-home salary annually while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Per-diem physical therapist pay in Fontana typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, enabling greater earning potential for those willing to accept contract work or agency positions. Additionally, travel physical therapists can command contracts that offer between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, including various stipends. However, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer types, with outpatient clinics often compensating less than hospital systems, which may provide comprehensive benefits. Negotiating a higher hourly rate may involve a trade-off with quality of benefits, so professionals must carefully weigh these factors when considering positions, especially in a competitive market like Fontana.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Fontana 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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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