Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Santee, CA: $62.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Santee, CA runs $62.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,476 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Santee's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santee, California, physical therapists enjoy a robust median hourly pay of $62.24, significantly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find positions in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers. With hourly rates ranging from $46.18 for entry-level positions to as much as $79.44 for the most experienced therapists, the pay structure reflects both the demand for skilled professionals and the regional cost of living index in Santee, which stands at 113.1. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and projected to 2026, highlight the financial incentives for both full-time and part-time practitioners in the physical therapy field here.
About the Santee 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) | $46.18 | $369.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.31 | $410.50 |
| Median (P50) | $62.24 | $497.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.58 | $588.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.44 | $635.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santee
Based on $62.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.24/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santee, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,693. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,489.78 | $10,789 | $129,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,493.87 | $6,473 | $77,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $995.91 | $4,316 | $51,787 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Santee) | $62.24 |
| 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 Santee, CA earn a median of $129,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.97% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.70% above the California state average of $128,576.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.24/hr = $77,681/year (purchasing power: $68,684).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,468/year (purchasing power: $114,473).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Santee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Santee grew 14.9% from $52.88/hr (2019) to $60.75/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.78/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 Santee 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 Santee
Considering the earnings potential, a physical therapist working three days a week (24 hours) in Santee could take home an attractive income, albeit less than a full-time counterpart. In a part-time capacity, a therapist earning at the median rate would see a significant annual income, particularly when compared to full-timers pursuing a more consistent full-time schedule. Per diem physical therapist pay in Santee typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour. For those seeking more lucrative options, travel contracts can provide weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. Hourly rates can also vary by employer type—with outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital systems, and home health agencies offering differing compensation. Some therapists may choose workplaces with lower hourly rates due to benefits like health insurance, while others might prefer the flexibility and higher wages found in cash-pay settings. When negotiating salaries, therapists should consider both their immediate financial needs and long-term career goals to find the best fit.
More salary data for Santee, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Santee in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Santee?
Are physical therapists in Santee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Santee?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Santee?
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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 Santee. 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 Santee 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