Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Physical Therapist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median physical therapist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $150,489 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$150,489
vs State Avg
+$7,818
vs National
+$52,769
Cost of Living
146%

Physical Therapist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median physical therapist salary of $150,489, which is $7,818 above the California state average of $142,671. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $150,489 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $103,075. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Los Angeles spans from $102,872 at the 10th percentile to $200,508 at the 90th percentile — a $97,636 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,720, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,120. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $104,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,720
+$36,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$150,920
+$52,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,120
+$69,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $102,872
25th Percentile $123,508
Median (50th) $150,489
75th Percentile $179,256
90th Percentile $200,508

Physical Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$185,668
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$171,987
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$146,580
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$123,127
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Los Angeles

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open physical therapist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Los Angeles, California is $150,489 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $102,872 (10th percentile) to $200,508 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $150,489, a physical therapist in Los Angeles earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median physical therapist salary of $150,489 is 5.5% above the California state average of $142,671. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $150,489 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Los Angeles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.