Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Vista, CA: $63.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Vista, CA runs $63.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,853 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,113 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vista, California, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $63.39, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This elevated rate opens up various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem positions, especially in common settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. For physical therapists working part-time, such as those committed to a three-day workweek, this hourly wage can translate into a solid income, whereas per-diem workers can capitalize on higher hourly rates. The pay ranges from $45.91 for entry-level practitioners to as much as $84.47 for those at the top of the pay scale, highlighting the potential for growth within this field.
About the Vista 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) | $45.91 | $367.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.60 | $412.79 |
| Median (P50) | $63.39 | $507.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.63 | $605.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.47 | $675.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vista
Based on $63.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.39/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,855 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,070. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,535.68 | $10,988 | $131,855 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,521.41 | $6,593 | $79,113 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,014.27 | $4,395 | $52,742 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Vista) | $63.39 |
| 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 Vista, CA earn a median of $131,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.23% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.50% above the California state average of $128,637.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.39/hr = $79,113/year (purchasing power: $69,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,855/year (purchasing power: $116,583).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Vista grew 14.9% from $53.85/hr (2019) to $61.87/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.95/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 Vista 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 Vista
When considering the earning potential of part-time physical therapists in Vista, a practitioner working 24 hours a week could expect a substantial annual income, though it would be less than that of a full-time colleague. Per diem physical therapists often find themselves billing between $50-$75/hr, while travel PT contracts can yield earnings of $1,800-$2,800 per week, inclusive of travel stipends. These per-diem roles offer flexibility, but also come with a trade-off in terms of benefits. In Vista, hourly rates may differ based on the type of employer; outpatient clinics may offer varied compensation compared to hospital and skilled nursing settings. Some therapists opt for slightly lower hourly rates that include health benefits, understanding that this can provide financial stability. Those negotiating their rates in this environment might consider highlighting their expertise and specialization, such as in sports or orthopedic therapy, to secure a more favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Vista?
Are physical therapists in Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Vista?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Vista?
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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 Vista. 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 Vista 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