Average Physical Therapists Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Physical Therapistss. With an average annual salary of $123,450, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $123,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $152,650.
- Outlook: The current demand for Physical Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+20.7%above the national average.
$59.4
$2,374
$10,288
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Physical Therapists salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 25.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Physical Therapistss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $85,880, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $152,650.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $85,880 | $41.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $92,588 | $44.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $128,370 | $61.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $154,313 | $74.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $152,650 | $73.4 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$123,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$123,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $123,450 to $123,450.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
1.464
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.91x 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.
140 people work as Physical Therapists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
1.464 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Physical Therapists positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $143,000↑ 16% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $123,020↓ 0% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $136,300↑ 10% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $120,050↓ 3% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $127,130↑ 3% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $123,450. This typically ranges from $85,880 for entry-level positions to $152,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 20.7% higher than the national median of $102,240.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Physical Therapistss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Physical Therapistss. The average salary of $123,450 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,000) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 1.464 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA