Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Salinas, CA: $62.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Salinas, CA runs $62.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Salinas's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.0, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,154 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, physical therapists in Salinas, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $62.62, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This advantageous pay is particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers who may operate in various clinical settings, such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, or home health environments. Entry-level positions begin around $40.08 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $76.77 per hour, reflecting a wide range of opportunities within the field. This official BLS data highlights not only the hourly pay potential for therapists in Salinas but also the economic viability of part-time work within a high-cost area.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.08 | $320.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.49 | $411.89 |
| Median (P50) | $62.62 | $500.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.22 | $545.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.77 | $614.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salinas
Based on $62.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.62/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salinas, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,257 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,148. With a cost-of-living index of 109.04 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salinas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salinas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,504.94 | $10,855 | $130,257 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,502.97 | $6,513 | $78,154 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,001.98 | $4,342 | $52,103 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Salinas) | $62.62 |
| 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 Salinas, CA earn a median of $130,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.71% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.30% above the California state average of $128,576.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.62/hr = $78,154/year (purchasing power: $71,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,257/year (purchasing power: $119,456).
CoL index: 109.042 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Salinas grew 16.9% from $52.28/hr (2019) to $61.12/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.16/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 Salinas 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 Salinas
Considering the financial realities for physical therapists in Salinas, those working part-time—say three days a week—who earn an hourly wage of $62.62 would typically take home about $49,016 annually, a figure that is enticing compared to full-time counterparts. For per-diem physical therapists, who often charge between $50 and $75 per hour, opportunities abound, especially in travel contracts that may yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, inclusive of stipends. Hourly pay varies widely across employer types; outpatient clinics often offer slightly lower rates than hospital systems, which may provide benefits in exchange for reduced hourly pay. As therapists navigate their career paths, understanding these dynamics can aid in negotiations. For instance, considering both hourly wage and benefits package can be critical, as some professionals may opt for higher rates while sacrificing healthcare coverage. Engaging in local business networks or seeking mentorship through organizations like the APTA can also provide insight into the best employment strategies in the Salinas area.
More salary data for Salinas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Salinas in 2026?
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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 Salinas. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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