Physical Therapist Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $130,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earns a median $130,335/year (≈ $62.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Rancho Cucamonga's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $115,239 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rancho Cucamonga, California, physical therapists can anticipate a median annual salary of $130,335 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $105,288. This notable figure reflects the area's competitive job market and the pressure on productivity expectations, which can affect effective hourly compensation. Salaries range from $91,890 at the lowest end (P10) to $170,567 for top earners (P90), indicating a healthy spread that aligns with the varying demands of outpatient clinics and hospital settings. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and localized further by the area's cost of living, which registers at a higher index of 113.1 compared to the national average. The dynamics of Rancho Cucamonga’s healthcare market, including the presence of prominent employers, further shape the earning potential for physical therapists.
About the Rancho Cucamonga Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,890 | $44.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,026 | $53.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,335 | $62.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,553 | $73.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,567 | $82.00 |
Median Salary Position
23.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cucamonga
In Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,677 (2026 est.). At $130,335, the local median is 23.79% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cucamonga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cucamonga Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Rancho Cucamonga median: $130,335/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cucamonga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,536 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +23.79% more |
Physical Therapists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $130,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.79% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% above the California state average of $128,536.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cucamonga has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,335 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,239 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,717
2025 BLS Actual
$127,206
2026 Current Est.
$130,335
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,717 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,661 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,367 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,542 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cucamonga metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $110,717 (2019) to $127,206 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,542 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,825 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $91,890 – $112,026 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,026 – $130,335 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,335 – $153,553 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,553 – $170,567 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Rancho Cucamonga
With approximately 46 physical therapists currently practicing in Rancho Cucamonga, the local job market is developing steadily, supported by a projected annual growth rate of 2.46% in the field. The cost of living index of 113.1 can influence take-home pay, as it represents a higher expense compared to the national average, making salary negotiation essential for professionals looking to maximize their earnings. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital systems typically offer competitive pay, although the structure of payments may vary significantly based on business models, with cash-pay practices often yielding higher compensation than insurance-based frameworks. Factors driving the disparity in salaries include expected patient volume, board certifications like OCS and SCS that may attract stipends, and unique benefits found in specialized practices such as sports medicine or travel PT roles. Aspiring physical therapists in Rancho Cucamonga may find their best opportunities by focusing on enhancing productivity metrics, pursuing advanced certifications, and considering diverse practice arrangements to achieve optimal financial outcomes.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Rancho Cucamonga, CA in 2026?
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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 $127,206 for physical therapistsin the Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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