Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in West Covina, CA: $61.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in West Covina, CA runs $61.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against West Covina's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,310 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median physical therapist hourly pay in West Covina, CA, is projected to be $61.95, which significantly exceeds the national median of $50.62. This compelling hourly rate opens diverse opportunities for those seeking part-time or per-diem work in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and home health visits. For therapists working three days a week, the flexibility allows for a balanced lifestyle while still achieving reasonable income, particularly as the hourly salary ranges from $47.42 at entry-level positions to $83.60 for top earners in the area. These figures demonstrate the attractiveness of pursuing a career in physical therapy, especially in the context of the California job market where demand is strong.
About the West Covina 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) | $47.42 | $379.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.40 | $419.18 |
| Median (P50) | $61.95 | $495.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.10 | $576.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.60 | $668.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Covina
Based on $61.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.95/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Covina, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,850 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,337. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Covina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Covina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,477.89 | $10,738 | $128,850 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,486.74 | $6,443 | $77,310 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.16 | $4,295 | $51,540 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (West Covina) | $61.95 |
| 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 West Covina, CA earn a median of $128,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.38% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.20% above the California state average of $128,592.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.95/hr = $77,310/year (purchasing power: $68,356).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,850/year (purchasing power: $113,926).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in West Covina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in West Covina grew 14.9% from $52.62/hr (2019) to $60.46/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.47/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 West Covina 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 West Covina
The potential earnings for part-time therapists investing 24 hours per week can vary widely. For those working three days a week, their annual income may equate to around $77,454, especially if they can tap into the growing per diem physical therapist pay in West Covina, which often fluctuates between $50 and $75 per hour. Meanwhile, travel contracts may offer therapists attractive weekly pay rates from $1,800 to $2,800, including lucrative stipends beyond hourly wages. Hourly rates in West Covina can differ among employers; outpatient clinics might provide lower rates due to higher patient volumes, while specialties such as sports medicine and pediatric clinics could command higher fees. Some therapists may opt for better hourly compensation without benefits, while others might value job security and insurance coverage over a higher pay rate. Negotiating flexibility and benefits is essential, particularly in a competitive market where various employment structures are available.
More salary data for West Covina, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in West Covina 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 West Covina. 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 West Covina 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