Physical Therapist Salary in Garden Grove, CA: $131,489 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Garden Grove, CA earns a median $131,489/year (≈ $63.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Garden Grove's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $116,259 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Garden Grove, California, are anticipated to earn a median annual salary of $131,489 in 2026, representing a notable 24.89% increase over the national median of $105,288. The salary for these professionals ranges from $94,139 at the 10th percentile to $174,803 at the 90th percentile, with the distribution reflecting local productivity expectations and the pressures associated with visits-per-day. Such figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost factors, emphasizing the strength and competitive nature of Garden Grove's healthcare market. The area's focus on outpatient care and rehabilitation services shapes compensation, making it an attractive locale for those pursuing a career in physical therapy.
About the Garden Grove Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,139 | $45.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,593 | $51.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,489 | $63.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,225 | $75.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,803 | $84.04 |
Median Salary Position
24.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garden Grove
In Garden Grove, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,664 (2026 est.). At $131,489, the local median is 24.89% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Garden Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Garden Grove Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Garden Grove median: $131,489/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Garden Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,533 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +24.89% more |
Physical Therapists in Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $131,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.89% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.30% above the California state average of $128,533.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Garden Grove has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Garden Grove, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $131,489 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,259 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,697
2025 BLS Actual
$128,332
2026 Current Est.
$131,489
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,697 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,658 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,332 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,489 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,724 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Garden Grove metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $111,697 (2019) to $128,332 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,724 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,027 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garden Grove 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) | $94,139 – $106,593 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,593 – $131,489 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,489 – $156,225 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,225 – $174,803 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Garden Grove
In Garden Grove, 37 physical therapists provide essential services, operating within a cost of living index of 113.1, which slightly exceeds the national average. This higher cost of living impacts take-home pay, influencing how far salaries stretch in terms of purchasing power. Notably, outpatient orthopedic clinics, including popular chains like ATI and Athletico, often lead in terms of salary offers, though some hospital systems may provide more competitive packages due to their ability to invest in employee development and benefits. The wide salary range can be driven by factors such as productivity benchmarks, board certifications (like OCS and SCS), and the choice between cash-pay models versus insurance practices. Aspiring physical therapists in this market can maximize their earning potential by obtaining specialized certifications, seeking employment in high-demand facilities, and understanding the nuances of productivity metrics to enhance their compensation opportunities.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Garden Grove, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Garden Grove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Garden Grove?
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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 $128,332 for physical therapistsin the Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove 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