Physical Therapist Salary in Lake Forest, CA: $126,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Lake Forest, CA earns a median $126,237/year (≈ $60.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Lake Forest's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,615 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Lake Forest, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $126,237, reflecting a notable increase compared to national averages. The compensation range varies significantly, with the lowest earnings at $98,084 (P10) and the highest reaching up to $167,297 (P90). These projections are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price parity adjustments. Lake Forest's market is notably influenced by the emerging trend of cash-pay models, particularly within sports and orthopedic specialties, which often drive higher pay at the upper end of the salary spectrum. This competitive environment suggests a robust job market where specialized skills can yield increased financial rewards.
About the Lake Forest Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,084 | $47.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,014 | $50.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,237 | $60.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,167 | $72.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,297 | $80.43 |
Median Salary Position
19.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,213 (2026 est.). At $126,237, the local median is 19.9% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Forest Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Lake Forest median: $126,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,551 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +19.90% more |
Physical Therapists in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $126,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.90% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.80% below the California state average of $128,551.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Forest has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Forest, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,237 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,615 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,236
2025 BLS Actual
$123,206
2026 Current Est.
$126,237
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,236 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,549 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,342 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $107,236 (2019) to $123,206 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,342 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,106 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest 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) | $98,084 – $105,014 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,014 – $126,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,237 – $150,167 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,167 – $167,297 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Lake Forest
The local job market currently employs 14 physical therapists, indicating a focused yet potentially tight employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, those earning a physical therapist salary in Lake Forest must account for higher living expenses, which impacts overall purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as those operated by larger chains and private practices, often provide the most lucrative positions, especially for those who meet productivity benchmarks or possess advanced board certifications like OCS or SCS. Various factors contribute to the salary range, including reimbursement practices which vary between cash-pay and insurance models. To maximize physical therapist pay in Lake Forest, professionals should consider specializing in high-demand areas, enhancing their qualifications through continuing education, and negotiating contracts that align with the evolving compensation landscape in the region.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Lake Forest, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Lake Forest?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Lake Forest?
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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 $123,206 for physical therapistsin the Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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