Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $65.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Santa Ana, CA runs $65.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,232 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,735 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Ana, California, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists is $65.49, significantly above the national median of $50.62. This higher hourly rate is beneficial for professionals in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. For those considering part-time work—perhaps just three days a week—this pay translates into a competitive income. Given the hourly range extends from $45.40 at the entry-level up to $88.99 for top earners, there are ample opportunities for both per diem and full-time physical therapists to choose a work schedule that meets their lifestyle and financial goals. The numbers are based on projected data from 2025 BLS figures, reflecting the diverse roles available for physical therapists in the region.
About the Santa Ana 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) | $45.40 | $363.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.07 | $416.56 |
| Median (P50) | $65.49 | $523.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.73 | $629.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.99 | $711.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $65.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.49/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,591. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,619.70 | $11,352 | $136,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,571.82 | $6,811 | $81,735 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,047.88 | $4,541 | $54,490 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Santa Ana) | $65.49 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $136,232 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.39% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 6.00% above the California state average of $128,521.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.49/hr = $81,735/year (purchasing power: $72,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,224/year (purchasing power: $120,446).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Ana grew 14.9% from $55.63/hr (2019) to $63.92/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.10/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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
When examining the financial aspects of working as a physical therapist in Santa Ana, part-time therapists doing three 8-hour shifts each week can earn approximately $81,769 annually, which still represents solid compensation compared to full-time positions. Per diem physical therapist pay in Santa Ana typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized travel contracts offering more lucrative options at $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including additional stipends for housing. Those in cash-pay markets like sports and orthopedics could charge upwards of $150 to $250 per session. Employer types also influence hourly pay rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower wages compared to hospitals, but can include performance bonuses. Furthermore, it's crucial for physical therapists to evaluate benefit packages on top of hourly rates; some may prefer stability and health insurance over higher hourly pay. Negotiating hourly rates effectively requires an understanding of local pay standards and market demands.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Ana in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Santa Ana?
Are physical therapists in Santa Ana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Santa Ana?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Ana?
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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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