Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $62.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Santa Monica, CA runs $62.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,954 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $62.48, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. For part-time and per-diem workers, this translates to a substantial earning potential. For instance, a physical therapist working three days a week typically takes home a healthy income while still enjoying more flexible working arrangements, which are common in settings such as outpatient clinics, sports performance centers, or home health visits. The hourly rates for physical therapists in this area range from $46.66 at the lower end for entry-level positions to about $80.04 for experienced professionals, making it an attractive option for those considering various practice environments.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $46.66 | $373.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.78 | $414.27 |
| Median (P50) | $62.48 | $499.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.81 | $582.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.04 | $640.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $62.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.48/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,959 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,976. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,499.20 | $10,830 | $129,959 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,499.52 | $6,498 | $77,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.68 | $4,332 | $51,983 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Santa Monica) | $62.48 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $129,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.43% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.10% above the California state average of $128,540.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.48/hr = $77,975/year (purchasing power: $68,944).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,959/year (purchasing power: $114,906).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Monica grew 14.9% from $53.08/hr (2019) to $60.98/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.02/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
Assessing the realities of part-time and per diem work offers further insights into the financial dynamics for physical therapists in Santa Monica. A professional working 24 hours weekly would earn considerably, with annual figures reflecting their part-time status but offering enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Per diem physical therapists often bill rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contracts provide even greater financial opportunities, sometimes reaching $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including various stipends. Different employer types across Santa Monica, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or skilled nursing facilities, influence these rates significantly, with many therapists opting for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits in healthcare systems. Negotiating salaries in such a competitive market requires an understanding of local demands and the balance between hourly wages and comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Santa Monica?
Are physical therapists in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Santa Monica?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Monica?
Related Pages
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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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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