Average Physical Therapists Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Physical Therapists in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $120,920, significantly exceeding the national average of $102,240. This elevated compensation is likely influenced by the region's specific healthcare demands and the specialized skill set required for physical therapy services. The local market dynamics and the cost of delivering high-quality patient care contribute to this favorable salary landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $120,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $159,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 290 Physical Therapists and a Location Quotient of 0.89, the job market in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara indicates a stable, albeit slightly below national concentration, demand for these professionals. The presence of nearly 1.5 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent opportunities, reflecting a healthy employment environment for physical therapists in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+18.3%above the national average.
$58.1
$2,325
$10,077
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in therapeutic techniques typically drive upward salary adjustments in this vital healthcare profession.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Career progression for Physical Therapists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $89,710 | $43.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $90,690 | $43.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $121,330 | $58.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $151,150 | $72.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $159,190 | $76.5 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$120,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$120,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $120,920 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without significant financial strain related to local expenses.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
1.431
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.89x 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 0.89 suggests that Physical Therapists are slightly less concentrated in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara compared to the national average. This indicates a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent, but also suggests a healthy demand relative to the available workforce, offering good prospects for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $109,580↓ 9% | 26 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $118,160↓ 2% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $116,410↓ 4% | 88 mi |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $117,420↓ 3% | 92 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $118,340↓ 2% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $120,920. This typically ranges from $89,710 for entry-level positions to $159,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 18.3% higher than the national median of $102,240.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physical Therapists.Physical Therapists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara earn significantly above the national average salary, and their income holds strong purchasing power due to the national average cost of living.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($109,580) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Physical Therapists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara earn an average of $120,920 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $102,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Physical Therapist job market in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that the concentration of Physical Therapists is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced market with consistent demand.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
With 1.431 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric suggests a healthy presence and demand for Physical Therapists within the local Santa Maria-Santa Barbara economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 1.431 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA