Average Physical Therapists Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Physical Therapists in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $117,670. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $102,240, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized healthcare needs within this major metropolitan region that drive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $117,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,150 Physical Therapists, Los Angeles presents a substantial market for these healthcare professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, implying that while the market is robust, opportunities may be more evenly distributed or met by a slightly less saturated local talent pool relative to national benchmarks.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+15.1%above the national average.
$56.6
$2,263
$9,806
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapists in a major economic hub like Los Angeles have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare demand and evolving compensation structures.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Career progression for Physical Therapists in Los Angeles is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or in leadership roles can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career and financial advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $86,040 | $41.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $88,253 | $42.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $117,000 | $56.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $147,088 | $70.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $158,540 | $76.2 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$117,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$117,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $117,670 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are balanced by the local economic conditions.
Job Market Context
8,150
Total Jobs
1.314
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.81x the national average concentration of Physical Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that Physical Therapists are slightly less concentrated in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering a good balance for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $120,400↑ 2% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $116,410↓ 1% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $117,670. This typically ranges from $86,040 for entry-level positions to $158,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 15.1% higher than the national median of $102,240.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physical Therapists.Physical Therapists in this region earn a notably higher average salary than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($120,400) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the number of Physical Therapists in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
Los Angeles has a total local workforce of 8,150 Physical Therapists, which is a significant number, but the Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration per capita than the national average.
What is the cost of living impact on a Physical Therapist's salary in Los Angeles?
The cost of living in Los Angeles is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the higher average salary of $117,670 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite the higher nominal wage.
Are there many job opportunities for Physical Therapists in Los Angeles?
With 1.314 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Physical Therapists is slightly above the national average, indicating a steady demand for their services within the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
How much more do Physical Therapists earn in Los Angeles compared to the national average?
Physical Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, earn approximately $15,430 more per year on average than their counterparts nationwide, with an average salary of $117,670 versus the national average of $102,240.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,150 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 1.314 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA