Physical Therapists Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $128,370 +27.1% vs national
Median hourly $61.72
10th percentile $85,880
90th percentile $152,650
Employed locally 140
National median $101,020

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Physical Therapists
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $85,880
    25th
    $98,540
    50th (median)
    $128,370
    75th
    $140,560
    90th
    $152,650

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Physical Therapists salary vs area income 117% Median Physical Therapists salary is 17% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Physical Therapists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $137,250
    Vallejo, CA $136,440
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $136,200
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $134,810
    Chico, CA $131,370
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $130,160

    Nearby metros — Physical Therapists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $137,250
    Vallejo, CA $136,440
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $136,200
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $134,810
    Chico, CA $131,370
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $130,160

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $178,900
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $79,580
    Pharmacy Technicians $49,420
    Physicians, All Other $305,610
    Nurse Practitioners $159,090
    Dental Hygienists $127,120

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Physical Therapists make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Physical Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA is $61.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $76.13 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Physical Therapists salaries?

    The median Physical Therapists salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 27.1% above the national median of $101,020. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Physical Therapists in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Physical Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $85,880 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $98,540.