Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $60.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lake Forest, CA runs $60.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,237 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Lake Forest, California, offers a competitive physical therapist hourly pay, with a median rate of $60.69. This figure significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $50.62, reflecting regional market conditions and the cost of living in the area. For physical therapists who choose to work part-time, such as those in outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, or home health settings, this hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings. A therapist working three days a week can expect a consistent income that adjusts to their schedule, while per-diem positions within varied environments, including sports performance centers and skilled nursing facilities, can offer even more flexible arrangements. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $47.15 and top earners making up to $80.43 per hour, there are numerous opportunities across the spectrum of experience and expertise in Lake Forest.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $47.15 | $377.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.49 | $403.94 |
| Median (P50) | $60.69 | $485.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.19 | $577.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.43 | $643.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $60.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.69/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,229 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,824. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,427.48 | $10,519 | $126,229 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,456.49 | $6,311 | $75,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $970.99 | $4,208 | $50,492 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lake Forest) | $60.69 |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $126,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.90% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.80% below the California state average of $128,551.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.69/hr = $75,737/year (purchasing power: $66,965).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,229/year (purchasing power: $111,608).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lake Forest grew 14.9% from $51.55/hr (2019) to $59.23/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.18/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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
Looking beyond the hourly numbers, part-time physical therapists in Lake Forest often find themselves in a different financial landscape compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, a therapist working 24 hours a week might see an annual take-home significantly lower than a full-time professional, depending on their specific job settings and hours worked. Per diem physical therapy roles can present diverse financial opportunities; most bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts can yield $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including allowances. Various employer settings influence pay scales—outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer less stability but can provide performance incentives, while hospitals usually have structured pay and benefits packages. Ultimately, many physical therapists must weigh the benefits of steady employment with health insurance against the potentially higher hourly rates of independent contractor positions. Negotiating pay in this market is essential, and understanding local demand can empower therapists to advocate for their worth effectively.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lake Forest?
Are physical therapists in Lake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Lake Forest?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Forest?
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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