Physical Therapist Salary in Laguna Niguel, CA: $124,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Laguna Niguel, CA earns a median $124,842/year (≈ $60.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Laguna Niguel's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,382 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 Laguna Niguel, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $124,842, which reflects an 18.57% premium compared to the national median of $105,288. The salary range varies significantly, spanning from $94,811 at the 10th percentile to $167,267 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight not only the lucrative nature of this profession in the region but also the growing trend towards cash-pay orthopedic and sports specialization that pushes top-end earnings higher. Given the competitive job market within this affluent Southern California city, the opportunities for physical therapists appear promising, especially for those who exhibit strong clinical skills and a willingness to adapt to evolving industry dynamics.
About the Laguna Niguel Market
Salary estimated from California average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,811 | $45.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,945 | $50.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,842 | $60.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,600 | $71.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,267 | $80.42 |
Median Salary Position
18.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laguna Niguel
In Laguna Niguel, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,456 (2026 est.). At $124,842, the local median is 18.57% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laguna Niguel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laguna Niguel Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Laguna Niguel median: $124,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laguna Niguel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,571 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +18.57% more |
Physical Therapists in Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $124,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.57% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.90% below the California state average of $128,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laguna Niguel has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laguna Niguel, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,842 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,382 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,051
2025 BLS Actual
$121,845
2026 Current Est.
$124,842
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,914 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laguna Niguel metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $106,051 (2019) to $121,845 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,914 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,863 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laguna Niguel 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) | $94,811 – $104,945 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,945 – $124,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,842 – $149,600 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,600 – $167,267 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Laguna Niguel
In Laguna Niguel, there are 16 physical therapists currently employed, a figure that reflects a concentrated but competitive job market. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, the increased living expenses can offset take-home purchasing power. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include outpatient orthopedic clinics and specialized sports medicine facilities, where productivity expectations and patient volume drive compensations. Earnings can vary widely based on several factors, such as board certification stipends (like OCS or SCS), practice models—especially the shift towards cash-pay versus insurance systems—and potential bonuses tied to patient throughput and clinical outcomes. For those looking to maximize their physical therapist pay in Laguna Niguel, pursuing specialization, staying informed on industry trends, and considering flexible practice arrangements may yield the best financial advantages.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Laguna Niguel?
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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 $121,845 for physical therapistsin the Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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