Physical Therapist Salary in Stockton, CA: $127,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Stockton, CA earns a median $127,317/year (≈ $61.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Stockton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.1), that paycheck buys what $121,152 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Stockton, California, physical therapists can anticipate a competitive median annual salary of $127,317 in 2026, which is well above the national median of $105,288. The salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, from $93,730 for the lowest earners (P10) to $160,688 for those at the top of the pay scale (P90). This disparity in compensation is driven by various factors, including the ongoing shift towards cash-pay practices in sports and orthopedic specialties, which have raised earning potentials for some. The salary figures come from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting a robust job market for physical therapists in Stockton.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,730 | $45.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,679 | $49.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,317 | $61.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,940 | $69.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,688 | $77.25 |
Median Salary Position
20.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stockton
In Stockton, CA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,958 (2026 est.). At $127,317, the local median is 20.92% above the national median of $105,288.
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How Stockton Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Stockton median: $127,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stockton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $128,603 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +20.92% more |
Physical Therapists in Stockton, CA earn a median of $127,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.92% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.00% below the California state average of $128,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stockton has a cost of living 5.09% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stockton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 105.089 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,317 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,152 — a 4.84% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,030
2025 BLS Actual
$124,260
2026 Current Est.
$127,317
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,449 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stockton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 24.2% from $100,030 (2019) to $124,260 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,449 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,419 (30.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stockton 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) | $93,730 – $103,679 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,679 – $127,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,317 – $144,940 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,940 – $160,688 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Stockton
The job market for physical therapists in Stockton remains strong, with approximately 350 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index at 105.089, therapists must navigate a slightly elevated living expense, but the salaries offered help mitigate these pressures. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as those operated by ATI and Athletico, tend to pay competitively, particularly through productivity bonuses, while hospital settings often provide higher base pay. Variations in earnings arise from factors such as productivity models, specialty certifications like OCS or SCS, and the trend towards cash-pay experiences. To maximize physical therapist pay in Stockton, professionals should consider gaining board certifications, understanding the dynamics of their respective employers, and exploring opportunities in high-demand areas like sports medicine and home health agencies. Adapting to market demands while maintaining a focus on specialty areas can enhance overall compensation benefits.
More salary data for Stockton, 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 $124,260 for physical therapistsin the Stockton 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