Physical Therapist Salary in Fresno, CA: $126,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Fresno, CA earns a median $126,866/year (≈ $60.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Fresno's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 102.2), that paycheck buys what $124,186 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, California, the projected compensation for physical therapists in 2026 reflects the ongoing trends in healthcare employment. With a median annual salary of $126,866, physical therapist pay in Fresno, CA surpasses the national average by approximately 20.49%. The salary range for this profession in the region is between $98,618 and $146,282, indicating variations in compensation across different employment settings. The disparity often arises from the structural choices between outpatient chains and hospital systems, where outpatient clinics may offer lower base salaries but incentivize productivity with bonuses, contrasting with hospitals that typically provide more stable salaries. Such insights, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, are crucial for those considering a career in physical therapy in this city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,618 | $47.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,294 | $50.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,866 | $60.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,628 | $69.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,282 | $70.33 |
Median Salary Position
20.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fresno
In Fresno, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,664 (2026 est.). At $126,866, the local median is 20.49% above the national median of $105,288.
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How Fresno Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Fresno median: $126,866/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fresno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,537 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +20.49% more |
Physical Therapists in Fresno, CA earn a median of $126,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.49% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.30% below the California state average of $128,537.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fresno has a cost of living 2.16% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fresno, CA has a cost-of-living index of 102.158 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,866 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,186 — a 2.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,510
2025 BLS Actual
$123,820
2026 Current Est.
$126,866
2019–2027 Growth
+36.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,987 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fresno metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 29.6% from $95,510 (2019) to $123,820 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,987 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,477 (36.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno 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) | $98,618 – $104,294 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,294 – $126,866 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,866 – $143,628 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,628 – $146,282 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Fresno
Meanwhile, the local job market indicates a robust demand for physical therapists, with 620 professionals currently employed in the area. Despite a cost of living index of 102.158, which suggests some financial strain compared to the national average, therapists can still find competitive pay opportunities. Outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Athletico often generate higher earnings but present heavier productivity expectations, making every visit count. In contrast, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab can offer more generous salaries but may lack the flexibility of outpatient settings. Factors driving salary disparities include board certification stipends, productivity requirements, and the cash-pay versus insurance model in practice. To maximize earning potential, aspiring physical therapists should consider specializing in areas with higher demand and pursuing additional certifications, such as OCS or SCS, which can significantly elevate their marketability and compensation in Fresno.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Fresno, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Fresno?
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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 $123,820 for physical therapistsin the Fresno 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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