In Los Angeles, CA, Physical Therapists earn a median of $103,930 a year — about 3% above the U.S. median of $100,440. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #15.
What that pay is worth in Los Angeles
Local prices run 114 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $106,930 salary buys less than it looks — about $94,157 in national-average buying power.
Can Physical Therapists afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 — 8.2 times the average Physical Therapist salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,879/mo takes roughly 21% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Physical Therapist pay ladder in Los Angeles
Entry-level (10th percentile) Physical Therapists earn about $68,080; the top 10% reach $144,310 — a $76,230 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Physical Therapist job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles employs roughly 9,120 Physical Therapists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Los Angeles with other cities
See the full Physical Therapist salary by city ranking to weigh Los Angeles against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Physical Therapists make in Los Angeles?
The average Physical Therapist in Los Angeles, CA earns about $106,930 per year, 6.5% above the national average of $100,440.
What is the take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Los Angeles after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $106,930 salary is worth about $78,187 a year - roughly $6,515 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 27%.
What do the highest-paid Physical Therapists earn in Los Angeles?
The top 10% of Physical Therapists in Los Angeles earn about $144,310 a year, versus about $68,080 for the bottom 10%.
Can Physical Therapists afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 - roughly 8.2x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.