Physical Therapist Salary in Davis, CA: $124,435 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Davis, CA earns a median $124,435/year (≈ $59.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,022 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Davis, California, the projected median annual physical therapist salary for 2026 is $124,435, reflecting a higher compensation level compared to the national median of $105,288. The local salary range extends from $94,247 at the 10th percentile to $160,986 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for significant earnings for those who specialize in high-demand areas such as sports and orthopedic therapy. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicate a robust job market that likely benefits from the increasing trend toward cash-pay practices, which often leads to higher pay for therapists focused on outpatient care. This dynamic suggests that physical therapists in Davis, CA, can expect enticing financial opportunities, particularly if they align their expertise with the specialized needs of the population.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,247 | $45.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,124 | $50.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,435 | $59.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,681 | $71.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,986 | $77.40 |
Median Salary Position
18.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,739 (2026 est.). At $124,435, the local median is 18.19% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Davis median: $124,435/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,548 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +18.19% more |
Physical Therapists in Davis, CA earn a median of $124,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.19% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.20% below the California state average of $128,548.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,435 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,022 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,705
2025 BLS Actual
$121,447
2026 Current Est.
$124,435
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,705 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,009 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,307 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,435 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,496 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $105,705 (2019) to $121,447 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,496 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,791 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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) | $94,247 – $104,124 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,124 – $124,435 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,435 – $148,681 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,681 – $160,986 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Davis
With only 14 physical therapists employed in Davis, the job market is relatively tight, which can work to the advantage of qualified candidates. The cost of living in the city is rated at a 113.1 index, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the buying power of residents may be limited. Those looking for the highest-paying positions might find opportunities in outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as those operated by ATI or Athletico, rather than in traditional hospital settings. The variance in salaries can be influenced by productivity expectations—many clinics set ambitious targets for visits per day—and additional factors such as board certifications (like OCS or SCS) that can attract stipend bonuses. To maximize pay, physical therapists should focus on building a specialty in the local market, considering cash-pay models that provide greater revenue potential and exploring travel PT opportunities that often come with higher wages.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Davis, CA 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
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 $121,447 for physical therapistsin the Davis 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 Davis 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