Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Orange, CA: $60.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Orange, CA runs $60.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,993 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Orange, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $60.89, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This means part-time workers, such as those seeing patients three days a week, can take home a substantial income while enjoying a work-life balance. In typical settings, from outpatient clinics to home health visits, the hourly range extends from $45.06 for entry-level positions to $80.28 for experienced professionals. These figures show the earning potential available to physical therapists operating in diverse environments like skilled nursing facilities and sports performance centers. It's essential to note that these hourly rates are directly estimated from annual salary data, indicating the competitive nature of physical therapist hourly pay in Orange and the continuing demand for qualified practitioners in the region.
About the Orange 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) | $45.06 | $360.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.97 | $391.73 |
| Median (P50) | $60.89 | $487.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.95 | $575.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.28 | $642.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orange
Based on $60.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.89/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orange, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,655 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,070. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,435.68 | $10,555 | $126,655 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,461.41 | $6,333 | $75,993 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $974.27 | $4,222 | $50,662 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Orange) | $60.89 |
| 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 Orange, CA earn a median of $126,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.30% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.50% below the California state average of $128,587.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.89/hr = $75,993/year (purchasing power: $67,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,655/year (purchasing power: $111,985).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Orange grew 14.9% from $51.73/hr (2019) to $59.43/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.39/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 Orange 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 Orange
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week can still earn a respectable income, contrasting sharply with full-timers who may enjoy additional benefits not available to hourly workers. Per diem physical therapist pay in Orange typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can yield weekly earnings from $1,800 to $2,800, inclusive of stipends. Cash-pay specialists in high-cost areas may bill upwards of $150 to $250 per hour, emphasizing the financial opportunities that exist beyond traditional employment. As hourly rates vary across different employer types in Orange, outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer less than hospital systems but might balance this with productivity bonuses. Therapists may find themselves weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively for a suitable hourly rate requires understanding local market conditions and being aware of different employer models, as well as leveraging the expected growth rate of 2.46% in demand for physical therapy services.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Orange?
Are physical therapists in Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Orange?
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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
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 Orange. 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 Orange 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