Physical Therapist Salary in Norwalk, CA: $127,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Norwalk, CA earns a median $127,634/year (≈ $61.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Norwalk's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Norwalk, California, can anticipate a median annual salary estimated at $127,634, significantly exceeding the national median of $105,288. The salary range for this profession will vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $95,832, while those at the higher end of the scale can earn up to $169,887. These figures reflect localized estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional economic factors. Much of the compensation in Norwalk is influenced by the choice between working in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities. Those in outpatient settings may experience different pay structures, often contingent on productivity levels and performance bonuses, compared to their hospital counterparts who might offer higher base salaries but vary in additional incentives.
About the Norwalk Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,832 | $46.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,784 | $49.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,634 | $61.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,066 | $73.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,887 | $81.68 |
Median Salary Position
21.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norwalk
In Norwalk, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,055 (2026 est.). At $127,634, the local median is 21.22% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norwalk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norwalk Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Norwalk median: $127,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norwalk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,534 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +21.22% more |
Physical Therapists in Norwalk, CA earn a median of $127,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.22% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.70% below the California state average of $128,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norwalk has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norwalk, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,634 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,851 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,423
2025 BLS Actual
$124,570
2026 Current Est.
$127,634
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,423 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,326 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,873 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,375 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,774 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norwalk metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $108,423 (2019) to $124,570 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,774 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,351 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norwalk 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) | $95,832 – $103,784 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,784 – $127,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,634 – $152,066 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,066 – $169,887 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Norwalk
While the job market for physical therapists in Norwalk is somewhat competitive, with 22 professionals currently employed in the area, the cost of living is notably higher, reflected in a CoL index of 113.1. This higher index can influence take-home pay and overall purchasing power, posing a challenge for residents. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, including franchises like ATI and Athletico, generally provide salaries skewed based on productivity expectations, including the number of patient visits per day, adherence to insurance reimbursement models, and potential bonuses for exceeding clinical targets. Furthermore, holding relevant board certifications like OCS or SCS may merit additional stipends. For those looking to maximize their physical therapist pay in Norwalk, embracing the cash-pay model or exploring travel PT positions could be strategies to consider, especially in a market where salary distribution varies based on clinic productivity and patient volume.
More salary data for Norwalk, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Norwalk, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Norwalk?
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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 $124,570 for physical therapistsin the Norwalk 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 Norwalk 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