Physical Therapist Salary in Huntington Beach, CA: $129,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Huntington Beach, CA earns a median $129,027/year (≈ $62.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Huntington Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,082 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career in physical therapy in Huntington Beach, the 2026 projected median salary of $129,027 is a strong incentive. This figure reflects a competitive local job market, where the salary range spans from $99,047 at the lower 10th percentile to $179,362 at the upper 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local price variations, indicate that high demand for cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialists is pushing top-end pay higher. As a coastal city with a focus on wellness and active living, Huntington Beach’s unique demographic also supports elevated compensation levels for physical therapists compared to national averages, suggesting ongoing opportunities for both new and experienced practitioners in this dynamic environment.
About the Huntington Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,047 | $47.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,357 | $52.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,027 | $62.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,435 | $72.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,362 | $86.23 |
Median Salary Position
22.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huntington Beach
In Huntington Beach, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,315 (2026 est.). At $129,027, the local median is 22.55% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huntington Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huntington Beach Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Huntington Beach median: $129,027/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huntington Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,641 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +22.55% more |
Physical Therapists in Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $129,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.55% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.30% above the California state average of $128,641.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huntington Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Huntington Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,027 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,082 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,606
2025 BLS Actual
$125,929
2026 Current Est.
$129,027
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,179 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,753 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,201 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huntington Beach metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $109,606 (2019) to $125,929 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,201 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,595 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntington Beach 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) | $99,047 – $109,357 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,357 – $129,027 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,027 – $150,435 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,435 – $179,362 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Huntington Beach
Examining the local job market, there are about 50 physical therapists employed in Huntington Beach, indicating a modest but stable demand for services in this area. The cost-of-living index is elevated at 113.1, meaning the increased salaries are essential for maintaining purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher pay include outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as private practices or chains like ATI and Athletico, as well as hospital systems and specialized sports medicine facilities. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include productivity expectations, with demands for a high number of patient visits and potential bonuses, along with the added value of board certifications like OCS or SCS. Physical therapists seeking to maximize their pay in this market should consider negotiating for productivity bonuses, exploring cash-pay models, or possibly engaging in travel positions that can offer flexibility and higher rates.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Huntington Beach, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Huntington Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Huntington Beach?
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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 $125,929 for physical therapistsin the Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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