Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $66.49 (2026)

For a physical therapist in Chico working part-time at a three-day schedule, the annual take-home might vary significantly compared to full-time positions. Typically, a part-time therapist working 24 hours weekly could expect to earn around $83,987 annually, whereas full-time colleagues could see upwards of $138,290. Per-diem and agency positions present another dimension to earnings; many physical therapists in these roles typically invoice between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel therapists can command weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, often with additional stipends. The compensation landscape also varies across different employer types—while outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates, hospital systems might provide both higher pay and benefits, attracting therapists who weigh these trade-offs carefully. Current industry trends indicate that physical therapists are increasingly pursuing cash-pay models, particularly in high-cost-of-living markets like CA, where direct billing can command $150 to $250 per hour. For those working hourly in Chico, strategic negotiation for pay and benefits remains key, particularly in this evolving field shaped by both productivity models and reimbursement pressures.