Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Temecula, CA: $63.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Temecula, CA runs $63.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Temecula's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,870 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temecula, California, physical therapists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $63.20, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This robust hourly rate is particularly appealing for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find flexible roles in settings such as outpatient clinics, sports performance centers, and skilled nursing facilities. Entry-level positions start at $45.48, while top earners can command up to $81.64 per hour, providing a wide wage range that caters to both novice practitioners and seasoned professionals. Given that these figures are projected from annual salary data, they reflect a strong market for physical therapy in the region.
About the Temecula 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) | $45.48 | $363.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.60 | $428.77 |
| Median (P50) | $63.20 | $505.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.68 | $589.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.64 | $653.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temecula
Based on $63.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.20/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temecula, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,450 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,837. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Temecula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temecula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,527.89 | $10,954 | $131,450 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,516.74 | $6,573 | $78,870 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,011.16 | $4,382 | $52,580 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Temecula) | $63.20 |
| 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 Temecula, CA earn a median of $131,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.85% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.20% above the California state average of $128,627.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.20/hr = $78,870/year (purchasing power: $69,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,450/year (purchasing power: $116,225).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Temecula grew 14.9% from $53.68/hr (2019) to $61.68/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.75/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 Temecula 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 Temecula
For those considering part-time roles, a physical therapist working three days a week can generate a substantial annual income with only 24 hours of work each week. Conversely, per diem physical therapists who typically bill between $50 and $75 per hour face a different set of realities, such as the need for self-funding benefits. Meanwhile, travel PT contracts often pay between $1,800 and $2,800 a week, making them a lucrative option in Temecula. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities might offer different pay scales influenced by the cost of living or the institution's reimbursement models. The trade-off of accepting a lower hourly rate with benefits against a higher pay with fewer perks can shape the professional landscape for many therapists. To negotiate effectively, candidates should leverage their market knowledge, highlight relevant experience, and consider the full compensation package beyond just the hourly rate.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Temecula in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Temecula?
Are physical therapists in Temecula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Temecula?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Temecula?
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 Temecula. 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 Temecula 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