Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Hemet, CA: $61.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Hemet, CA runs $61.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,875 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Hemet's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,323 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hemet, California, the steady demand for physical therapists translates to an impressive median hourly pay of $61.96. This rate is significantly higher than the national median of $50.62, allowing professionals in this field to enjoy competitive compensation, especially in part-time and per-diem roles. Working in diverse environments such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and skilled nursing facilities, part-time therapists often service three days per week and can expect pay commensurate with their skill level and specialty. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start at approximately $45.49, while top earners in the field can command around $78.48, reflecting the varying demands and responsibilities associated with different roles.
About the Hemet 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) | $45.49 | $363.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.72 | $405.74 |
| Median (P50) | $61.96 | $495.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.53 | $572.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.48 | $627.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hemet
Based on $61.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.96/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hemet, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,872 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,349. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hemet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hemet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,478.30 | $10,739 | $128,872 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,486.98 | $6,444 | $77,323 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.32 | $4,296 | $51,549 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Hemet) | $61.96 |
| 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 Hemet, CA earn a median of $128,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.40% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.20% above the California state average of $128,618.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.96/hr = $77,323/year (purchasing power: $68,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,872/year (purchasing power: $113,945).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hemet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Hemet grew 14.9% from $52.63/hr (2019) to $60.47/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.48/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 Hemet 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 Hemet
For those considering a part-time schedule, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week in Hemet could earn about $78,339 annually, offering a solid income while maintaining flexibility. Per diem physical therapists in the area typically earn between $50-$75 an hour, while travel contracts can reach as high as $2,800 weekly, including additional stipends. Although working in outpatient orthopedic clinics might yield lower hourly pay compared to hospital settings, some therapists may prefer these jobs for the stability of health insurance benefits, despite the trade-off for higher pay without those benefits in other roles. To effectively negotiate higher pay, professionals should articulate their specialized skills and consider the ongoing shifts toward cash-pay models, especially in high-demand sports and orthopedic therapy practices in Hemet.
More salary data for Hemet, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Hemet in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Hemet?
Are physical therapists in Hemet paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Hemet?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hemet?
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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 Hemet. 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 Hemet 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