Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Santa Clarita, CA: $63.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Santa Clarita, CA runs $63.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Santa Clarita's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clarita, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists stands at $63.16, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This difference amplifies the appeal of working in the area, particularly for those in part-time roles or per-diem positions. With this hourly rate, a therapist working three days a week can still earn a competitive income, reflecting the diverse environments in which they may operate, such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab hospitals, and sports performance centers. Entry-level positions typically start at around $46.76, allowing for substantial earning potential as therapists advance their careers, with top performers reaching around $87.92 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the robust demand for physical therapists in this region of CA.
About the Santa Clarita 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) | $46.76 | $374.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.64 | $421.15 |
| Median (P50) | $63.16 | $505.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.01 | $616.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.92 | $703.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clarita
Based on $63.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.16/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clarita, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,788. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clarita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clarita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,526.25 | $10,947 | $131,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,515.75 | $6,568 | $78,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,010.50 | $4,379 | $52,546 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Santa Clarita) | $63.16 |
| 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 Clarita, CA earn a median of $131,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.77% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.20% above the California state average of $128,541.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.16/hr = $78,819/year (purchasing power: $69,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,365/year (purchasing power: $116,150).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Clarita grew 14.9% from $53.65/hr (2019) to $61.64/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.71/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 Clarita 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 Clarita
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week could see notable financial impacts based on their hourly rate—approximately $78,675 annually compared to a full-time income. For those pursuing per-diem or agency work, the reality varies significantly. Many per-diem physical therapists in Santa Clarita may bill $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts often offer upwards of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including stipends for housing. However, a cash-pay model for specialists in sports or orthopedics may yield between $150 to $250 hourly, reflecting current trends in healthcare flexibility and patient preferences. The choice of employer also affects compensation; outpatient orthopedic chains like Athletico may offer lower hourly rates than hospital systems due to differences in reimbursement structures from CMS. While higher hourly rates can entice therapists, many consider the benefits available in full-time roles, such as health insurance and retirement plans, before making their decisions. Negotiating effectively is key in this environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding both market rates and personal value.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Clarita in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Santa Clarita?
Are physical therapists in Santa Clarita paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Santa Clarita?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Clarita?
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 Clarita. 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 Clarita 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