As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a PT in Costa Mesa, CA is $116,402 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a PT's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A PT's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a PT's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) I | 0-2 years | $99,793 |
| PT | 2-4 years | $116,377 |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | 4-7 years | $134,297 |
| Physical Therapy Team Supervisor | 7+ years | $117,530 |
| Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy | 7+ years | $138,720 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.47% |
| CPR | 2.4% |
| HIPAA | 1.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
$126,878 |
9%
|
|
Environmental Safety
|
$125,714 |
8%
|
|
Management Skills
|
$124,550 |
7%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$123,386 |
6%
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
$122,222 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$121,058 |
4%
|
PT salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $124,272. While startup companies pay approximate $105,661.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $105,661 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $111,606 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $120,163 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $124,272 |
For PT roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, PT positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view PT as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $122,222 | $59.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a PT's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a PT, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Exercise Physiologist | $74,100 | -36% |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | $134,300 | 15% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current PT job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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