Physical Therapist Salary in San Buenaventura, CA: $129,858 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in San Buenaventura, CA earns a median $129,858/year (≈ $62.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in San Buenaventura's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,817 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in San Buenaventura are expected to earn a median annual salary of $129,858, marking a significant increase compared to the national median of $105,288. These figures are reflective of the increasing trend towards cash-pay models, particularly in the sports and orthopedic specialties, which often reward top-end pay above traditional reimbursement rates. With an annual salary range spanning from $100,597 at the lower end (P10) to $177,721 at the upper end (P90), it’s clear there is a substantial opportunity for income growth in this sector. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates adjusted for local costs, highlights the competitive nature of the job market in San Buenaventura, where skilled physical therapists find rich potential for rewarding careers.
About the San Buenaventura Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,597 | $48.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,048 | $53.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,858 | $62.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,309 | $75.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,721 | $85.44 |
Median Salary Position
23.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Buenaventura
In San Buenaventura, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,124 (2026 est.). At $129,858, the local median is 23.34% above the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in San Buenaventura: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Buenaventura Physical Therapist Pay Compares
San Buenaventura median: $129,858/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Buenaventura Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,572 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +23.34% more |
Physical Therapists in San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $129,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.34% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.00% above the California state average of $128,572.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Buenaventura has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Buenaventura, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,858 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,817 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,312
2025 BLS Actual
$126,740
2026 Current Est.
$129,858
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,248 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,524 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,978 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,858 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,052 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Buenaventura metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $110,312 (2019) to $126,740 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,052 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,740 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Buenaventura 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) | $100,597 – $111,048 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,048 – $129,858 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,858 – $157,309 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,309 – $177,721 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in San Buenaventura
In analyzing the job market for physical therapists in San Buenaventura, the local economy has shown a need for specialized practitioners, with 19 professionals currently employed in the area. Although the cost of living index sits at 113.1, indicating higher expenses compared to the national average, professionals can still find avenues for maximizing their take-home pay. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly large chains like Athletico and ATI, generally have a tighter salary structure but may provide additional productivity bonuses that help close the pay gap. The variability in compensation largely stems from differing practice models, with cash-pay clinics often able to offer more competitive pay compared to insurance-dependent setups. To optimize earnings in this market, physical therapists should consider pursuing board certifications like the OCS or SCS, targeting high-demand settings, and negotiating for productivity incentives or equity in privately owned practices.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in San Buenaventura, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in San Buenaventura?
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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 $126,740 for physical therapistsin the San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura 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