Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, CA: $63.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lancaster, CA runs $63.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,198 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,717 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, California, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $63.07, significantly higher than the national average of $50.62. This attractive compensation offers an appealing opportunity for both full-time practitioners and those interested in part-time or per-diem positions. For instance, a part-time physical therapist working three days a week might find themselves earning a stable income while enjoying the flexibility of reduced hours. The hourly pay spans a range from $45.20 for entry-level positions to $87.65 for the highest earners, providing ample opportunity for professionals at various stages in their careers, whether they are engaged in outpatient clinics, home health visits, or sports therapy centers. Given the competitive nature of this market, these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the financial viability of the profession in the region.
About the Lancaster 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) | $45.20 | $361.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.96 | $407.71 |
| Median (P50) | $63.07 | $504.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.37 | $586.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.65 | $701.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $63.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.07/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,689. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,522.98 | $10,933 | $131,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,513.79 | $6,560 | $78,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.19 | $4,373 | $52,478 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lancaster) | $63.07 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA earn a median of $131,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.61% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.00% above the California state average of $128,625.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.07/hr = $78,717/year (purchasing power: $69,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,195/year (purchasing power: $115,999).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lancaster grew 14.9% from $53.58/hr (2019) to $61.56/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.63/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
While the health care landscape in Lancaster offers enticing hourly wages, part-time professionals must weigh their earnings against full-time opportunities. A physical therapist working 24 hours per week would take home significantly less than those fulfilling a full-time schedule, which may limit their financial stability. For per diem physical therapists, billing rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, although specialized cash-pay sports and orthopedic therapists can command rates of $150 to $250 in high-cost living markets. Travel therapists, often sought after for temporary contracts, can earn substantial weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, especially if they secure additional stipends. Hourly rates can vary markedly across employer types in Lancaster—from outpatient chains like Athletico to skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies—reflecting differences in job expectations and benefits provided. Many physical therapists balanced their desire for higher hourly pay against the need for health insurance and job security, creating a landscape where negotiation skills become essential in securing favorable working conditions.
More salary data for Lancaster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lancaster?
Are physical therapists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Lancaster?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
Related Pages
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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