Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $62.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $62.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,335 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,205 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect a median hourly rate of $62.66, significantly exceeding the national median of $50.62. This robust compensation reflects the demand for qualified professionals in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and skilled nursing facilities. For those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis, such as in home health or school therapy environments, this rate translates to a competitive income. Entry-level physical therapists may earn around $44.18 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $82.00, giving a clear picture of the earning potential across different career stages and environments in Rancho Cucamonga. The hourly rates, derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, illustrate the favorable position of physical therapists within the local labor market.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $44.18 | $353.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.86 | $430.91 |
| Median (P50) | $62.66 | $501.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.82 | $590.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.00 | $655.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $62.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.66/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,342 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,197. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,506.58 | $10,862 | $130,342 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,503.95 | $6,517 | $78,205 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,002.63 | $4,345 | $52,137 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Rancho Cucamonga) | $62.66 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $130,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.79% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% above the California state average of $128,536.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.66/hr = $78,205/year (purchasing power: $69,147).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,342/year (purchasing power: $115,245).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Rancho Cucamonga grew 14.9% from $53.23/hr (2019) to $61.16/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.21/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
Exploring the potential earning of part-time and per-diem physical therapists reveals insights beyond simple hourly pay. A physical therapist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could potentially take home about $78,721 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem physical therapy work is also enticing, allowing therapists to bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with more lucrative travel contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including stipends. In Rancho Cucamonga, physical therapists employed in outpatient orthopedic clinics may see variable pay depending on the clinic's structure, while those in hospital systems might offer more stability but at potentially lower hourly rates. The choice between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without them poses a significant decision for many therapists. Negotiation skills can be crucial; being clear about one’s worth and understanding the compensation landscape, including comprehensive pay packages, can lead to more favorable outcomes in this thriving market.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are physical therapists in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Rancho Cucamonga?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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