Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $71.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Oakland, CA runs $71.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,266 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, the physical therapist hourly rate is projected at $71.53 for 2026, significantly exceeding the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate positions physical therapists favorably, particularly for those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities in settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, hospital inpatient rehabilitation units, and home health visits. With an hourly range from $51.15 at the P10 level to $99.43 at the P90 threshold, the field offers substantial earning potential, allowing flexible work arrangements while impacting patient care positively. Such figures reflect a strong market for physical therapy practitioners in Oakland, driven by the high demand for specialized healthcare services.
About the Oakland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.15 | $409.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.01 | $464.10 |
| Median (P50) | $71.53 | $572.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.13 | $697.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.43 | $795.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $71.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.53/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $148,777 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,833. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,861.09 | $12,398 | $148,777 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,716.66 | $7,439 | $89,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,144.44 | $4,959 | $59,511 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Oakland) | $71.53 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Oakland, CA earn a median of $148,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 41.31% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 15.70% above the California state average of $128,594.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.53/hr = $89,266/year (purchasing power: $78,927).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,777/year (purchasing power: $131,545).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Oakland grew 14.9% from $60.76/hr (2019) to $69.81/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.29/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oakland 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Oakland
When analyzing the earnings potential for part-time physical therapists in Oakland, a professional working three days a week (24 hours) can expect to take home approximately $83,718 annually. In contrast, full-time labor would yield a much higher overall income. Per-diem physical therapist pay in Oakland might vary widely; while some bill rates are set between $50 and $75 per hour, travel contracts can yield higher income, bringing in $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, supplemented by stipends. Meanwhile, cash-pay orthopedic specialists command between $150 and $250 per hour in high-cost-of-living markets. Salary negotiations often hinge on the type of employer—outpatient clinics typically offer lower payouts compared to hospital systems that may provide benefits but at a slightly reduced rate. Physical therapists must weigh the value of hourly pay against the benefits package when considering employment options, as some may prioritize a higher wage without benefits, while others may prefer stability and health coverage. For effective negotiation in this environment, understanding local market rates and articulating value based on specialized skills or productivity can maximize hourly compensation in Oakland.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Oakland?
Are physical therapists in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Oakland?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Oakland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oakland 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