Physical Therapist Salary in Corona, CA: $131,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Corona, CA earns a median $131,032/year (≈ $62.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Corona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $115,855 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Corona, California, are anticipated to earn a median annual salary of $131,032 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $105,288. The local salary range shows considerable variation, with the lowest 10% earning $93,483 and the highest 10% reaching up to $181,316. These financial figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price fluctuations, indicating that the market for physical therapist salary in Corona is robust. The choice of employment location, such as outpatient chains versus hospital systems, affects pay significantly, with outpatient settings generally offering lower base salaries but potential for productivity bonuses that can enhance overall earnings.
About the Corona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,483 | $44.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,675 | $50.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,032 | $62.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,277 | $73.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,316 | $87.17 |
Median Salary Position
24.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Corona
In Corona, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,833 (2026 est.). At $131,032, the local median is 24.45% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Corona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Corona Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Corona median: $131,032/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Corona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,589 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +24.45% more |
Physical Therapists in Corona, CA earn a median of $131,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.45% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.90% above the California state average of $128,589.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Corona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Corona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $131,032 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,855 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,309
2025 BLS Actual
$127,886
2026 Current Est.
$131,032
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,309 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,614 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,632 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,255 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Corona metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $111,309 (2019) to $127,886 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,255 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,946 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Corona 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $93,483 – $105,675 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,675 – $131,032 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,032 – $152,277 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,277 – $181,316 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Corona
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently 24 physical therapists employed in the Corona area, contributing to a competitive yet stable environment. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the relatively high living expenses necessitate consideration when evaluating take-home pay, impacting overall purchasing power. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital systems may offer salaries at the higher end of the spectrum, while outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to provide more competitive bonuses based on productivity, especially in a setting where expectations for visits per day are high. Board certifications, like OCS and SCS, can justify salary premiums, as can specializing in cash-pay models instead of relying on insurance reimbursements, which may diminish earnings. To maximize physical therapist pay in Corona CA, professionals should prioritize achieving specialized certifications and consider diverse employment settings for better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Corona, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Corona?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Corona?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $127,886 for physical therapistsin the Corona metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Corona 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