Physical Therapist Salary in Alameda, CA: $124,873 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Alameda, CA earns a median $124,873/year (≈ $60.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Alameda's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,409 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Alameda, California, can expect a median annual salary of $124,873, representing a significant 18.60% premium over the national median of $105,288. The salary range for this profession is also noteworthy, with entry-level positions paying around $95,394 and experienced therapists earning up to $167,048. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, factoring in regional price adjustments that reflect the local cost of living. As healthcare needs grow and patient visit frequency increases, productivity expectations are shaping hourly compensation, creating a competitive environment for physical therapist pay in Alameda, CA.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,394 | $45.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,006 | $50.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,873 | $60.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,864 | $72.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,048 | $80.31 |
Median Salary Position
18.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alameda
In Alameda, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,654 (2026 est.). At $124,873, the local median is 18.6% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alameda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alameda Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Alameda median: $124,873/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alameda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,603 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +18.60% more |
Physical Therapists in Alameda, CA earn a median of $124,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.60% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.90% below the California state average of $128,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alameda has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alameda, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,873 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,409 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,077
2025 BLS Actual
$121,875
2026 Current Est.
$124,873
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,077 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,939 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,897 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,258 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,875 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,873 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,945 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alameda metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $106,077 (2019) to $121,875 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,945 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,868 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alameda 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $95,394 – $105,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,006 – $124,873 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,873 – $149,864 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,864 – $167,048 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Alameda
In Alameda, currently employing only 12 physical therapists, the market's limited size presents both opportunities and challenges. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, therapists must navigate expenses that exceed the national average. Subsequently, employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly established chains like Athletico, tend to offer competitive salaries, although many rely on productivity bonuses and reimbursement models that can fluctuate based on whether they operate on a cash-pay basis or accept insurance. Differences in pay often arise from various factors, such as the number of patients treated daily and additional stipends for board certifications like OCS or SCS. To maximize physical therapist pay in Alameda, it’s crucial to embrace continuing education, consider specialized certifications, and align with high-volume clinics that can ensure a steady stream of referrals while balancing the demands of reimbursement pressures from Medicare and private insurers.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Alameda, CA in 2026?
Is Alameda, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Alameda?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Alameda?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Alameda?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $121,875 for physical therapistsin the Alameda metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda 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