California pays physical therapists more than any other state — its $123,300 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $81,910 to $161,230 — a $79,320 spread, 37% wider than the national $58,080 range.
California employs roughly 9.8% of all physical therapists in the country (24,380 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $81,910 | $39.38 |
| 25th percentile | $99,100 | $47.64 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $123,300 | $59.28 |
| 75th percentile | $137,250 | $65.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $161,230 | $77.51 |
| Mean (average) | $120,970 | $58.16 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $123,300 | n/a |
| Alaska | $108,640 | -12% |
| New Jersey | $106,310 | -14% |
| Nevada | $105,170 | -15% |
| Oregon | $104,430 | -15% |
| Maryland | $104,330 | -15% |
| Connecticut | $103,720 | -16% |
| Texas | $103,710 | -16% |
| Illinois | $103,380 | -16% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineers | $123,070 | 25,830 |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $123,840 | 16,030 |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | $123,980 | 24,420 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $122,520 | 11,070 |
| Producers and Directors | $122,150 | 35,650 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $122,140 | 11,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapists salary in California?
The mean physical therapists salary in California is $120,970 per year. The median (middle) salary is $123,300 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapists in California?
Entry-level physical therapistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $81,910 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $99,100 per year.
What is the highest Physical Therapists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $161,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $137,250 per year.
How does the California Physical Therapists salary compare to the national average?
The median physical therapists salary in California is $123,300, which is +22% above national average of $101,020.