Physical Therapist Salary in Fremont, CA: $145,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Fremont, CA earns a median $145,501/year (≈ $69.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Fremont's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $128,648 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected physical therapist salary in Fremont, California, reaches an impressive $145,501, significantly outpacing the national median of $105,288. The salary range for physical therapists in the area spans from $99,031 at the lower end to an attractive $205,060 at the high end. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlights a strong market for specialized roles, particularly in cash-pay outpatient settings that boost overall compensation for top-tier professionals. With a growth rate of 2.46% anticipated over the next five years, Fremont is set to present stronger job opportunities as demand for physical therapy services continues to rise.
About the Fremont Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,031 | $47.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,676 | $58.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,501 | $69.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,193 | $83.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,060 | $98.59 |
Median Salary Position
38.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fremont
In Fremont, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,029 (2026 est.). At $145,501, the local median is 38.19% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fremont: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fremont Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Fremont median: $145,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fremont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,535 | +13.20% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +38.19% more |
Physical Therapists in Fremont, CA earn a median of $145,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.19% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 13.20% above the California state average of $128,535.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fremont has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fremont, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,501 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,648 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,601
2025 BLS Actual
$142,008
2026 Current Est.
$145,501
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,601 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,793 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,003 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,081 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fremont metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $123,601 (2019) to $142,008 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,081 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,480 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont 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) | $99,031 – $122,676 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,676 – $145,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,501 – $173,193 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,193 – $205,060 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Fremont
Analyzing the local job market, Fremont currently employs 43 physical therapists, reflecting a competitive landscape for aspiring professionals. The cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that while salaries are robust, the higher living expenses can impact take-home purchasing power. Employers, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and sports medicine facilities, generally offer higher salaries compared to hospital settings, primarily driven by productivity expectations and cash-pay models. Those looking to maximize their earnings should focus on obtaining board certifications (like OCS or SCS), as such qualifications can lead to stipends and enhanced pay structures. Engaging in high-performing clinics that emphasize productivity or exploring travel PT avenues may also provide lucrative opportunities in the Fremont market.
More salary data for Fremont, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $142,008 for physical therapistsin the Fremont 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 Fremont 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