Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $68.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Petaluma, CA runs $68.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,175 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,302 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Petaluma, California, the projected median physical therapist hourly pay is $68.35, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $50.62. This robust hourly rate facilitates attractive opportunities for those considering part-time employment or per-diem work, making it feasible for professionals to engage in flexible scheduling across various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, schools, and sports medicine centers. The hourly wage can range from approximately $53.25 for entry-level positions to around $90.41 for seasoned professionals, which illustrates the potential for income growth within this dynamic field. These estimates are derived from annual salaries, providing a solid foundation for understanding earnings in Petaluma’s healthcare market.
About the Petaluma 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) | $53.25 | $425.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.25 | $465.99 |
| Median (P50) | $68.35 | $546.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.21 | $649.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.41 | $723.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $68.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.35/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $142,170 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,021. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,734.04 | $11,848 | $142,170 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,640.43 | $7,109 | $85,302 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,093.62 | $4,739 | $56,868 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Petaluma) | $68.35 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $142,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.03% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 10.60% above the California state average of $128,548.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.35/hr = $85,302/year (purchasing power: $75,422).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,170/year (purchasing power: $125,703).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Petaluma grew 14.9% from $58.06/hr (2019) to $66.71/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.03/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
When examining the specifics of part-time and per-diem physical therapist earnings in Petaluma, a therapist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours will earn a considerable sum annually, even while not clocking the hours of a full-time role. Per-diem physical therapists often see billing rates between $50-$75 per hour, while those taking travel contracts may find compensation between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, inclusive of stipends. In contrast, cash-pay orthopedic specialists can command up to $250 per hour in high-cost living areas. The variation in hourly rates often correlates directly with the type of employer; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower wages compared to hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, which typically include benefits. For many physical therapists, the choice between higher hourly pay without benefits versus a lower rate with health coverage can represent a significant trade-off. When negotiating hourly wages in Petaluma, focus on highlighting your specialized skills and productivity metrics to capture the best compensation possible in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Petaluma?
Are physical therapists in Petaluma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Petaluma?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Petaluma?
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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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