Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Mission Viejo, CA: $62.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Mission Viejo, CA runs $62.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,771 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Mission Viejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission Viejo, California, physical therapists can expect a competitive median hourly pay of $62.39, which significantly surpasses the national median of $50.62. This favorable rate provides ample opportunities for physical therapists, whether working part-time at outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health agencies. For those considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, the hourly pay allows for a comfortable lifestyle while affording flexibility. The hourly range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $46.51 and top earners potentially making up to $79.91. These figures are derived from projected annual salary data and reflect the demand for skilled physical therapists in the area.
About the Mission Viejo 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) | $46.51 | $372.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.60 | $412.79 |
| Median (P50) | $62.39 | $499.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.55 | $580.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.91 | $639.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission Viejo
Based on $62.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.39/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission Viejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,767 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,865. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mission Viejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission Viejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,495.52 | $10,814 | $129,767 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,497.31 | $6,488 | $77,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $998.21 | $4,326 | $51,907 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Mission Viejo) | $62.39 |
| 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 Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $129,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.25% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% above the California state average of $128,613.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.39/hr = $77,860/year (purchasing power: $68,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,767/year (purchasing power: $114,736).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Mission Viejo grew 14.9% from $53.00/hr (2019) to $60.89/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.92/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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours per week can expect to bring home around $77,668 annually, quite favorable compared to a full-time income. Additionally, per diem physical therapists in Mission Viejo can expect to earn between $50 and $75 per hour, with those in travel positions billing anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800 a week when stipends are included. For cash-pay models, some specialists in sports or orthopedics may charge anywhere from $150 to $250 per session directly to patients, reflecting a trend towards direct reimbursement practices over traditional insurance structures. It's essential to recognize that hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer; outpatient clinics may provide lower wages compared to hospitals that might offer more comprehensive benefits. When negotiating pay, therapists should weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and stable positions that might offer health insurance. Tailoring your request based on the specific work setting in Mission Viejo can lead to more favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Mission Viejo in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Mission Viejo?
Are physical therapists in Mission Viejo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Mission Viejo?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Mission Viejo?
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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 Mission Viejo. 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 Mission Viejo 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