Physical Therapist Salary in Anaheim, CA: $112,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Anaheim, CA earns a median $112,803/year (≈ $54.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Anaheim's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $99,737 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, physical therapists can expect a median annual salary of $112,803 in 2026, reflecting a stronger compensation trend compared to the national median of $105,288. The salary range varies significantly across the local market, with entry-level positions around $79,691 and experienced therapists earning up to $155,244. These salary projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's cost of living. Factors such as the nature of employment—working in outpatient clinics versus hospitals or skilled nursing facilities—play a critical role in determining pay scales. Given the competitive landscape in Anaheim, particularly with outpatient orthopedic chains consolidating the field over the last decade, salaries remain influenced by efficient operational structures and service delivery models.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,691 | $38.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,828 | $43.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,803 | $54.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,757 | $65.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,244 | $74.63 |
Median Salary Position
7.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anaheim
In Anaheim, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,553 (2026 est.). At $112,803, the local median is 7.14% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anaheim: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anaheim Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Anaheim median: $112,803/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anaheim Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,624 | -12.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +7.14% more |
Physical Therapists in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $112,803 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.14% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 12.30% below the California state average of $128,624.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anaheim has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anaheim, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,803 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,737 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,824
2025 BLS Actual
$110,095
2026 Current Est.
$112,803
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,824 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,695 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,747 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,578 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anaheim metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $95,824 (2019) to $110,095 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $115,578 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,754 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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) | $79,691 – $90,828 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,828 – $112,803 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,803 – $136,757 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,757 – $155,244 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Anaheim
Looking at the job market dynamics, there are currently 51 physical therapists employed in Anaheim, which allows for a niche yet robust employment environment. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating higher expenses that can impact take-home pay, thus amplifying the importance of salary negotiations in practices, especially given the varying reimbursement rates from insurance versus cash-pay models. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, including named chains, often provide less upfront pay but may offer productivity bonuses that can bridge the gap. The considerable salary spread is influenced by factors such as the expected productivity per visit and additional stipends for specialized certifications like the OCS or SCS. For those looking to maximize their physical therapist pay in Anaheim CA, focusing on niche markets like sports medicine or pediatric clinics and considering travel PT opportunities can yield higher income potential.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Anaheim, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Anaheim?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Anaheim?
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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
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 $110,095 for physical therapistsin the Anaheim 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 Anaheim 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