Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Livermore, CA: $60.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Livermore, CA runs $60.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,696 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Livermore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,019 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Livermore, California, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $60.91, which significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $50.62. This favorable pay reflects the demand for skilled therapists across various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health environments. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to competitive earnings, especially when one considers that entry-level wages start around $45.90, while experienced professionals can earn up to $81.16 per hour. Such financial incentives make the profession appealing for those exploring flexible work arrangements or looking to supplement their income through per-diem opportunities in specialized fields like sports therapy or pediatrics.
About the Livermore 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) | $45.90 | $367.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.93 | $407.46 |
| Median (P50) | $60.91 | $487.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.73 | $581.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.16 | $649.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livermore
Based on $60.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.91/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livermore, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,095. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Livermore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livermore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,436.50 | $10,558 | $126,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,461.90 | $6,335 | $76,019 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $974.60 | $4,223 | $50,679 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Livermore) | $60.91 |
| 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 Livermore, CA earn a median of $126,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.33% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.50% below the California state average of $128,625.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.91/hr = $76,019/year (purchasing power: $67,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,698/year (purchasing power: $112,023).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Livermore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Livermore grew 14.9% from $51.74/hr (2019) to $59.45/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.41/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 Livermore 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 Livermore
Given the growing trend toward part-time and per-diem roles, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week in Livermore can take home roughly $76,000 annually—substantially less than their full-time counterparts but still rewarding within the context of work-life balance. Per-diem physical therapists in the area typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel contracts offering wider pay ranges of $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including stipends. Compensation can also vary by employer type; for instance, those in outpatient orthopedic clinics may experience different financial dynamics compared to hospital-based positions. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, creating a trade-off concerning job security and health insurance. For physical or occupational therapists, tailoring negotiations around compensation based on personal circumstances and market trends in Livermore can lead to a more satisfactory work experience while considering industry shifts like cash-pay versus insurance-dependent practices.
More salary data for Livermore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Livermore in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Livermore?
Are physical therapists in Livermore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Livermore?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Livermore?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Livermore. 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 Livermore 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