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Physical Therapist Salary in Riverside, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Riverside's cost of living (index: 122). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Riverside β€” Key Numbers

$121,646
Median Salary
$99,247
25th Percentile
$144,948
75th Percentile
$169,519
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median+22.0%
Riverside median household income$75,800
vs. City household income+60.5%

Cost of Living in Riverside

Cost of Living Index
122(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio17.3%
Annual rent cost$21,000
Median Home Price$560,000
Home Price / Salary4.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$112,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Riverside

5.3%
Unemployment Rate
4,650,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
33.9
Median Age

Riverside has a metro population of 4,650,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Riverside, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in Riverside is $121,646 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by Riverside's cost of living index (122). The typical salary range runs from $99,247 (25th percentile) to $144,948 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $169,519.

Is Riverside affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $121,646 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in Riverside would spend approximately 17.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,750/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Riverside relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $560,000 is 4.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Physical Therapist's salary compare to Riverside's overall income?

Riverside's median household income is $75,800. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $121,646 earns 60.5% more than the typical Riverside household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.