Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $61.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $61.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,521 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,517 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Rancho Cordova, the projected physical therapist hourly rate for 2026 stands at $61.31, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled therapists in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, nursing facilities, and even home health visits. For those opting for part-time work, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can lead to a substantial income, while per-diem roles allow therapists to maintain flexibility and potentially earn more in specific niches. Entry-level positions start at around $43.97 per hour, rising to $82.33 for the highest earners in the field, demonstrating a diverse earning potential based on experience and specific employer types.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $43.97 | $351.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.08 | $424.68 |
| Median (P50) | $61.31 | $490.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.42 | $571.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.33 | $658.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $61.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.31/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,574. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,452.48 | $10,627 | $127,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,471.49 | $6,376 | $76,517 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $980.99 | $4,251 | $51,012 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Rancho Cordova) | $61.31 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $127,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.12% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.80% below the California state average of $128,549.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.31/hr = $76,517/year (purchasing power: $67,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,529/year (purchasing power: $112,758).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Rancho Cordova grew 14.9% from $52.08/hr (2019) to $59.84/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.82/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
When assessing real earnings, a physical therapist working part-time for 24 hours a week in Rancho Cordova could expect to take home approximately $76,045 annually, a figure that can vary significantly for those in per-diem or contracted roles. Per-diem physical therapists typically bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while more specialized positions, such as cash-pay practitioners in high-cost markets, may command fees of $150 to $250 per hour. Employment at various facilities influences hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay less than hospitals, although they could offer bonuses for productivity. Therapists often weigh their options between higher hourly wages without benefits and more stable employment with lower pay but essential health insurance coverage. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Rancho Cordova typically include emphasizing relevant certifications or additional training, especially in areas like OCS or SCS specialties, which are advantageous in both salary discussions and job placement.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Rancho Cordova?
Are physical therapists in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Rancho Cordova?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?
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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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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