Physical Therapist Salary in Indio, CA: $126,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Indio, CA earns a median $126,237/year (≈ $60.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Indio's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,615 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Indio, California, the physical therapist salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $126,237 for 2026, significantly above the national median of $105,288. Salaries in this region range from the lower 10th percentile at $98,084 to an impressive upper 90th percentile at $167,297. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living conditions, reflect a growing trend in specialized outpatient care, particularly in orthopedics and sports therapy, where cash-pay models are increasingly influencing top-end compensation. This trend suggests that those who refine their skills and specialize within this area could find themselves earning at the higher end of the local pay scale.
About the Indio Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,084 | $47.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,778 | $51.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,237 | $60.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,167 | $72.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,297 | $80.43 |
Median Salary Position
19.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Indio
In Indio, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,213 (2026 est.). At $126,237, the local median is 19.9% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Indio: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Indio Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Indio median: $126,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Indio Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,551 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +19.90% more |
Physical Therapists in Indio, CA earn a median of $126,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.90% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.80% below the California state average of $128,551.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Indio has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Indio, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,237 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,615 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,236
2025 BLS Actual
$123,206
2026 Current Est.
$126,237
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,236 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,549 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,342 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indio metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $107,236 (2019) to $123,206 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,342 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,106 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indio 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) | $98,084 – $107,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,778 – $126,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,237 – $150,167 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,167 – $167,297 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Indio
Physical therapists in Indio face a competitive job market with only 23 professionals currently employed in the area. Despite a Cost of Living index sitting at 113.1—meaning expenses are approximately 13.1% higher than the national average—salary potential remains robust for those who utilize strategic career moves. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as those under well-known chains like ATI and Athletico, typically offer competitive pay; however, those in hospital inpatient rehab and home health agencies might benefit from higher wages and additional benefits. Variations in pay stem from factors like productivity expectations, which require therapists to meet unit-based metrics, and board certifications that can lead to stipends. Understanding these dynamics can help physical therapists maximize their earnings in Indio, CA, whether through specialization, negotiating for cash-pay options, or choosing roles that better align with their career goals.
More salary data for Indio, 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 $123,206 for physical therapistsin the Indio 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 Indio 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