Physical Therapist Salary in Modesto, CA: $129,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Modesto, CA earns a median $129,714/year (≈ $62.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.1), that paycheck buys what $124,596 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Modesto, California, are poised to earn a median salary of $129,714, which is significantly above the national median of $105,288. The projected salary range spans from $89,888 at the 10th percentile to $167,379 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying compensation across different practice settings. Outpatient clinics, including notable chains like ATI and Athletico, often offer competitive pay structures that might not match hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF) roles in base salary but can include bonuses linked to productivity. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals considering where to practice and maximizing their earning potential in Modesto’s healthcare market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,888 | $43.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,974 | $50.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,714 | $62.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,585 | $69.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,379 | $80.47 |
Median Salary Position
23.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,491 (2026 est.). At $129,714, the local median is 23.2% above the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be above the median
How Modesto Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Modesto median: $129,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,557 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +23.20% more |
Physical Therapists in Modesto, CA earn a median of $129,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.20% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% above the California state average of $128,557.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 4.11% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 104.108 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,714 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,596 — a 3.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,470
2025 BLS Actual
$126,600
2026 Current Est.
$129,714
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,905 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 26.0% from $100,470 (2019) to $126,600 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,905 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,435 (32.28%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $89,888 – $105,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,974 – $129,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,714 – $145,585 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,585 – $167,379 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Modesto
The local job market shows a solid demand for physical therapists, with approximately 400 employed in the area. The cost of living index in Modesto stands at 104.108, which is slightly above the national average, indicating that while salaries may be higher, the purchasing power is impacted by living expenses. Among the various employers, outpatient orthopedic facilities and travel PT agencies often present the highest salary opportunities, buoyed by the flexibility and demand for services. Factors influencing wage variability include performance expectations driven by productivity models, board certification bonuses like those for OCS or SCS, and the choice between cash-pay and insurance-based practices. To maximize pay in Modesto, professionals should consider specializing to enhance their marketability, seek opportunities in high-demand clinics, and stay abreast of local employment trends.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Modesto, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Modesto?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Modesto?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Modesto?
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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 $126,600 for physical therapistsin the Modesto 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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