Physical Therapist Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $127,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $127,042/year (≈ $61.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,327 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Hawthorne, California can expect a median annual salary of $127,042, which is notably higher than the national median of $105,288. This competitive edge is partially influenced by a growing trend towards cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialties that can elevate the top-end earnings to $161,900, with a lower threshold at $90,351. These figures, informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost considerations, reflect an upward trajectory in compensation, particularly as demand for specialized services increases. The job market in Hawthorne is notable for its emerging practices that offer physical therapists diverse opportunities, especially as outpatient orthopedic chains and specialized clinics respond to evolving patient needs.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,351 | $43.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,428 | $52.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,042 | $61.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,247 | $70.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,900 | $77.84 |
Median Salary Position
20.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,549 (2026 est.). At $127,042, the local median is 20.66% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be above the median
How Hawthorne Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $127,042/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,585 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +20.66% more |
Physical Therapists in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $127,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.66% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.20% below the California state average of $128,585.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,042 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,327 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,920
2025 BLS Actual
$123,992
2026 Current Est.
$127,042
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,814 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,992 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,167 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $107,920 (2019) to $123,992 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,167 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,247 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $90,351 – $109,428 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,428 – $127,042 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,042 – $147,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,247 – $161,900 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Hawthorne
With 13 physical therapists currently employed in Hawthorne, the market remains relatively contained, yet the cost of living index of 113.1 indicates that take-home pay may not stretch as far compared to other regions. Those seeking higher salaries may find more lucrative options in outpatient orthopedic clinics or hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, where employers are keen to attract talent amid increasing productivity standards. The disparity in earnings can be largely attributed to varying productivity expectations, patient volume, and the potential for performance-based bonuses, especially at cash-pay clinics. For physical therapists looking to maximize their pay in this market, pursuing advanced certifications, such as OCS or SCS, and exploring clinic ownership opportunities can significantly enhance earning potential. Understanding the local dynamics of physical therapist pay in Hawthorne, CA, is essential for making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $123,992 for physical therapistsin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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