Physical Therapist Salary in Westminster, CA: $129,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Westminster, CA earns a median $129,964/year (≈ $62.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Westminster, California, can expect a median annual salary of $129,964 in 2026, reflecting a noteworthy 23.44% increase over the national median of $105,288. This figure encompasses a salary range from $96,672 at the 10th percentile to $171,593 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for significant earnings variation based on experience, specialization, and workplace setting. The estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data consider local economic factors, providing a realistic snapshot of what professionals can achieve in this crowded market. Factors such as whether one works in an outpatient orthopedic chain, a hospital, or a skilled nursing facility can greatly affect earning potential, suggesting important decisions for new graduates or seasoned therapists considering a shift in their career focus.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,672 | $46.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,728 | $51.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,964 | $62.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,215 | $74.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,593 | $82.50 |
Median Salary Position
23.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,921 (2026 est.). At $129,964, the local median is 23.44% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Westminster median: $129,964/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,550 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +23.44% more |
Physical Therapists in Westminster, CA earn a median of $129,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.44% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.10% above the California state average of $128,550.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,964 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,911 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$110,402
2025 BLS Actual
$126,844
2026 Current Est.
$129,964
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,402 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,623 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,079 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,609 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,161 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $110,402 (2019) to $126,844 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,161 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,759 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $96,672 – $107,728 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,728 – $129,964 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,964 – $154,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,215 – $171,593 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Westminster
With only 21 physical therapists currently employed in Westminster, the local job market demonstrates a relatively specialized environment, which may influence wage dynamics. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that expenses are above the national average, potentially impacting overall compensation value. Among various employers, outpatient clinics, particularly established chains like Athletico and ATI, tend to offer competitive physical therapist pay in Westminster CA, though they might include productivity-driven bonuses that vary considerably. On the other hand, hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities may provide steadier salaries but could impose stricter productivity benchmarks. To enhance earning potential, physical therapists in the area should consider pursuing advanced board certification (such as OCS or SCS), exploring cash-pay models, or even considering travel PT opportunities, which can toggle between locations for higher pay rates.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Westminster, CA in 2026?
Is Westminster, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Westminster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Westminster?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Westminster?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $126,844 for physical therapistsin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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