Doctor Salary California: What Physical Therapists Can Earn in the Golden State

A Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty-practitioner instructs USAHS DPT students.

Choosing a career path is a significant decision, and for many, financial stability is a key consideration. If you’re exploring a fulfilling and financially rewarding healthcare profession, becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) might be an excellent choice. And when it comes to earning potential, Doctor Salary California stands out as particularly attractive.

California consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying states for physical therapists in the United States. But what exactly does a doctor salary California look like? And how does it compare to other states? This article will delve into the specifics of physical therapy salaries in California, exploring the average earnings, factors that influence pay, and how California stacks up against other states.

Table of Contents:

Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary in California: An In-depth Look

California is renowned for its vibrant economy, diverse landscapes, and, notably, its high compensation for many professions. This extends to healthcare, with doctor salary California for physical therapists reflecting the state’s high demand for skilled medical professionals and the higher cost of living in many areas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from April 2024, the mean annual doctor salary California for physical therapists is an impressive $114,270. This translates to an hourly wage of $54.94. This figure significantly surpasses the national average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $99,710, positioning California as the top-paying state for this profession.

This high doctor salary California makes the state a particularly appealing destination for aspiring and practicing physical therapists alike. The robust healthcare sector, coupled with a population that values physical fitness and rehabilitation, contributes to a strong demand for DPTs throughout California.

Factors Influencing Doctor Salary California

While $114,270 represents the average doctor salary California, several factors can influence the actual earnings of a physical therapist in the state. These include:

• Location within California: Larger metropolitan areas and regions with higher cost of living, such as the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, may offer higher salaries compared to more rural areas.
• Experience Level: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role. Physical therapists with more years of practice and a proven track record can command higher salaries.
• Specialization: Physical therapy has various specializations, such as sports physical therapy, orthopedic physical therapy, and neurological physical therapy. Certain specializations, particularly those in high demand or requiring advanced skills, might lead to increased earning potential.
• Practice Setting: The type of facility where a physical therapist works can also affect salary. Settings like hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies may have different compensation structures.
• Education and Certifications: While a DPT degree is the standard entry point, further education, certifications, and advanced training can enhance a physical therapist’s expertise and potentially lead to higher pay.

Doctor Salary California vs. Other States

To further appreciate the attractive doctor salary California, it’s helpful to compare it with other states. While the national average annual wage for physical therapists is around $99,710, California’s average of $114,270 places it significantly above.

Let’s look at some other states and their average DPT salaries:

As you can see, California leads the nation in doctor salary, followed by Nevada and Alaska. While states like New Jersey, Texas, and Maryland also offer competitive salaries, California maintains its position as the highest-paying state for physical therapists.

Highest-paying states for physical therapists

Cost of Living Considerations in California

It’s important to acknowledge that while doctor salary California is high, the state also has a significantly higher cost of living compared to the national average. California’s cost of living index is 145.0, which is almost 45% higher than the national average. Only Hawaii has a higher cost of living.

This means that while your earnings as a physical therapist in California will likely be substantial, a larger portion of your income will be allocated to expenses like housing, transportation, and everyday goods and services, especially in major metropolitan areas.

However, even when considering the higher cost of living, the robust doctor salary California allows physical therapists to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and enjoy the numerous benefits of living in the Golden State.

Job Outlook for Physical Therapists in California

Beyond the attractive doctor salary California, the job outlook for physical therapists in the state is also exceptionally promising. California, with its large and aging population, along with a strong emphasis on health and wellness, is projected to have a high demand for physical therapy services in the coming years.

The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) estimates that California will have approximately 1,550 physical therapy job openings annually. This high number of projected openings, combined with the leading doctor salary California, creates an ideal environment for physical therapists seeking career opportunities and financial success.

States with the most annual openings for physical therapists

Earning Your DPT in California

For those aspiring to capitalize on the excellent doctor salary California and thriving job market, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is the essential first step. California is home to several reputable DPT programs, including the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) San Marcos campus.

USAHS San Marcos offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise necessary to excel in the field. Studying in California provides the added advantage of networking and gaining clinical experience within the state’s dynamic healthcare landscape, setting graduates up for success in securing desirable positions and achieving a competitive doctor salary California.

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FAQ About Physical Therapy Careers

Considering a career in physical therapy? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists are movement experts who diagnose and treat patients of all ages with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and function in their daily lives. They help patients recover from injuries, reduce pain, and improve mobility and overall quality of life.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Physical Therapist?

The path to becoming a physical therapist typically involves earning a bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This can take a total of 6 to 8 years of higher education. USAHS offers residential and flexible DPT program options to suit different learning preferences and timeframes.

Is the Job Outlook for Physical Therapists Positive?

Yes, the job outlook for physical therapists is excellent. The BLS projects a 15% growth in employment for physical therapists by 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by factors such as the aging population, increased prevalence of chronic conditions, and growing awareness of the benefits of physical therapy.

What Steps Are Involved in Becoming a Physical Therapist?

The typical steps to becoming a physical therapist include:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Focus on science-related fields like biology, kinesiology, or exercise science.
2. Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE): Successfully complete this national licensure exam.
4. Obtain State Licensure: Fulfill your state’s specific licensing requirements to practice as a physical therapist.

Can Specialization Increase Earning Potential in Physical Therapy?

Yes, specializing in a specific area of physical therapy can potentially lead to higher earning potential. Specialty certifications from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in areas like orthopedics, sports, neurology, and geriatrics. These specialized skills can be highly valued and may command higher salaries.

Advance Your Physical Therapy Career with USAHS

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a leading institution in physical therapy education, known for its experienced faculty and innovative programs. USAHS has conferred more DPT degrees than any other program in the nation, demonstrating its commitment to preparing highly qualified physical therapists.

USAHS offers various DPT program pathways to accommodate different student needs:

• Residential DPT Pathway: A traditional, on-campus program with blended online and in-person learning.
• Hybrid Immersion DPT Pathway: Combines online coursework with focused on-campus immersion labs.
• Flex DPT Pathway: Primarily online with in-person labs on select weekends, offering maximum flexibility.

Request More Information to learn more about our DPT programs and begin your journey toward a rewarding career with excellent earning potential, especially as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in California. Apply Today and take the first step toward your future!

*Program completion times vary. See program details for more information.
**Based on IPEDS data.
***Hybrid Immersion DPT program expansion pending CAPTE approval.
Salary data may not reflect starting salaries.

Sources:

[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
[2] https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/occGeo/One%20occupation%20for%20multiple%20geographical%20areas
[3] https://www.projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=&AreaNameSelect%255B%255D=1&Name==&NameSelect%255B%255D=594&items_per_page=50
[4] https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series
[5] https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AK/PST045222
[6] https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ME/INC110221
[7] https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/NY/PST045222
[8] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-2
[9] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-6
[10] https://www.fsbpt.org/
[11] https://specialization.apta.org/