Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $62.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Richmond, CA runs $62.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,602 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Richmond, California, earn a median hourly wage of $62.98, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This elevated pay reflects the region's demand for these professionals, particularly in facilities such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. For those working part-time at three days a week, this hourly rate provides a solid income, with earnings tailored to hours worked rather than a fixed schedule. Entry-level physiotherapists in Richmond can expect to start in the range of $44.73 per hour, while top earners may achieve rates as high as $83.26. These figures, derived from projected annual salaries, suggest that physical therapists have options for flexible scheduling, particularly in outpatient settings where per-diem roles may also be prevalent.
About the Richmond 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) | $44.73 | $357.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.79 | $406.32 |
| Median (P50) | $62.98 | $503.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.55 | $596.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.26 | $666.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $62.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.98/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,579. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,519.29 | $10,917 | $131,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,511.57 | $6,550 | $78,602 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,007.71 | $4,367 | $52,401 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Richmond) | $62.98 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $131,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.43% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.90% above the California state average of $128,568.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.98/hr = $78,602/year (purchasing power: $69,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,003/year (purchasing power: $115,829).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Richmond grew 14.9% from $53.50/hr (2019) to $61.47/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.53/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Examining the earning potential for part-time practitioners reveals interesting dynamics. For a physical therapist working three days a week at 24 hours, the annual income would typically amount to around $78,898. In contrast, full-time therapists would earn a higher annual salary through increased hours. The per diem physical therapist pay in Richmond can vary, with many billing between $50 and $75 per hour based on facility and specialty. Moreover, staffing agencies for travel therapists report weekly contracts paying from $1,800 to $2,800, which includes various stipends. Different employer types—a mix of private practices and larger hospital systems—can also impact pay rates. Those seeking jobs in outpatient orthopedic clinics might enjoy a lower hourly wage but could benefit from comprehensive health plans, while those accepting higher hourly rates without benefits may need to weigh job security and work-life balance. For many in this field, negotiations often hinge on the balance between hourly pay and benefits, making it crucial for therapists to assess their priorities before entering contracts.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Richmond?
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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