Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Vacaville, CA: $61.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Vacaville, CA runs $61.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,310 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Vacaville's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Vacaville, the projected physical therapist hourly pay is $61.69, which is significantly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate makes it especially appealing for part-time and per-diem professionals seeking flexible schedules. For those working three days a week, the hourly opportunities can translate into solid earnings, primarily in settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, hospital inpatient rehab units, and sports performance centers. In addition, the hourly range is considerable, starting around $46.89 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $85.22 for top earners, allowing for potential growth depending on experience and specialization.
About the Vacaville 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) | $46.89 | $375.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.88 | $415.00 |
| Median (P50) | $61.69 | $493.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.20 | $601.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.22 | $681.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vacaville
Based on $61.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.69/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vacaville, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,318 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,029. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vacaville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vacaville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,467.65 | $10,693 | $128,318 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,480.59 | $6,416 | $76,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $987.06 | $4,277 | $51,327 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Vacaville) | $61.69 |
| 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 Vacaville, CA earn a median of $128,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.87% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.20% below the California state average of $128,567.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.69/hr = $76,991/year (purchasing power: $68,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,318/year (purchasing power: $113,455).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Vacaville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Vacaville grew 14.9% from $52.41/hr (2019) to $60.21/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.21/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 Vacaville 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 Vacaville
Considering part-time work, a physical therapist in Vacaville, committing to a 24-hour workweek, can take home about $78,171 annually, which aligns with the financial demands of living in a higher-cost area. For those pursuing per diem roles, rates can vary widely: many bill between $50-$75 per hour, while travel contracts may command up to $2,800 weekly in premium markets. Different employer types impact pay as well; outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide lower hourly rates but can include bonuses tied to productivity, whereas hospitals might offer enhanced benefits amidst their higher pay structures. Therapists must weigh the benefits package against hourly rates, as accepting lower pay may come with health insurance and retirement options. Professionals should consider negotiating based on their specialized skills or certifications, such as OCS or SCS, to maximize their hourly pay potential in this competitive region.
More salary data for Vacaville, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Vacaville in 2026?
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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 Vacaville. 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 Vacaville 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