Physical Therapist in Long Beach, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Long Beach Stands

If you're packing up your PT toolkit for Long Beach, let's start with the most practical question: what will you actually earn? The numbers here are solid. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Long Beach metro area is $104,346/year. That breaks down to a median hourly rate of $50.17/hour. This is notably higher than the national average for Physical Therapists, which sits at $99,710/year. It's a competitive market, but one that rewards licensure and experience.

To get a clearer picture of your earning potential over time, here’s a realistic breakdown based on experience levels you'll find in the Long Beach job market. This isn't an official government table, but it's a practical synthesis of local job postings and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Expected Salary Range (Long Beach)	Notes for the Local Market
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $98,000	Often starts in larger outpatient mills (like Kaiser or St. Mary) or home health. May involve weekend or evening shifts.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$98,000 - $115,000	This is where you'll see the median action. Specialization (ortho, neuro, pelvic health) starts to pay off here.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$115,000 - $130,000	Often involves clinic director roles, specialized rehab units (like at Long Beach Memorial), or managing a team.
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$130,000+	Lead roles in academic settings (CSULB), complex care at major hospitals, or high-level private practice ownership.

How does Long Beach stack up against other California cities? It’s a strong middle ground. You won’t command the same salaries as in the ultra-high-cost San Francisco or San Jose metros (where the median can push $120k+), but you also avoid the brutal housing costs of the Bay Area. Compared to inland CA cities like Sacramento or Riverside, Long Beach offers a coastal lifestyle with a salary premium. The key is the 10-year job growth of 14%. The state and national demand for PTs is strong, and with 898 jobs in the metro, there's a stable, if competitive, market here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is just a number. The real test is whether it supports the Long Beach lifestyle. With a median salary of $104,346, let's break down the monthly math.

Assumptions for a single filer: No dependents, standard deduction, and California state taxes (which are progressive). A rough estimate puts your net take-home pay (after federal, state, FICA, and SDI) at approximately $6,700 to $7,000 per month. This can vary, but this is a solid starting point.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Earners):

• Net Take-Home: $6,800 (conservative estimate)
• Rent (1BR Average): -$2,006
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$180
• Groceries & Household: -$450
• Car Payment/Insurance/ Gas (Long Beach is car-dependent): -$500
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): -$300
• Student Loans (National Average for PTs ~$125k): -$1,000
• Discretionary/ Savings/ Retirement: $2,364

This budget is tight but manageable for a single person. The $2,006/month 1BR rent is the anchor. If you have a partner with a second income, the math becomes much more favorable. If you're the sole earner for a family, you'll need to target the higher end of the experience bracket or consider a two-bedroom share.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Long Beach hovers around $850,000. Using a standard 20% down payment ($170,000) and a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest, your monthly payment (including taxes, insurance, and HOA) would be roughly $4,800 - $5,200. This is significantly higher than the average rent. For a single PT earning the median, this is not feasible without a substantial down payment or a second income. Dual-income households or those who have purchased in earlier years (or in less expensive inland neighborhoods) are the primary buyers. Homeownership in Long Beach is a long-term goal, often achieved after years of saving and career advancement.

Where the Jobs Are: Long Beach's Major Employers

Long Beach has a diverse healthcare ecosystem. Your job search should target these major players, which represent the bulk of stable PT jobs.

1. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (Part of MemorialCare): The largest hospital in the city. They have a robust inpatient rehab unit, orthopedics, and outpatient clinics. Hiring trends favor PTs with ortho/neuro experience and those willing to work in acute care. They often post jobs for "Physical Therapist I" and "II" levels.
2. St. Mary Medical Center (Dignity Health): Another major hospital system with a strong rehab department. They are known for stroke and cardiac rehab programs. Their hiring is steady, but they value experience and often look for PTs with specialty certifications.
3. Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach: If you're interested in pediatrics, this is the premier employer. The need is high for PTs with pediatric certifications (PCS). The environment is specialized and requires specific skills.
4. Kaiser Permanente (South Bay Medical Center): Located just south of Long Beach in Harbor City, this is a massive employer for outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. KP is known for its structured programs and strong benefits. The hiring process is competitive but can lead to long-term stability.
5. Orange County MemorialCare Outpatient Centers: MemorialCare operates numerous outpatient clinics throughout Long Beach and nearby Signal Hill. These are often the best entry points for new grads or those moving from other settings. They see high patient volume, which is great for building experience quickly.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Long Beach Healthcare System: A major federal employer with a range of settings—acute care, rehab, and outpatient. VA jobs offer unparalleled job security and federal benefits. The hiring process is slow but worthwhile. They often have openings for PTs willing to work with a geriatric and veteran population.
7. Large Private Practices & Sports Medicine Clinics: Long Beach has a thriving scene of private practices, especially in areas like Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, and near the CSULB campus. Examples include clinics affiliated with local orthopedic surgeons or sports performance centers. These offer more autonomy and often higher pay potential for experienced PTs, but less job security than large employers.

Insider Tip: Don't just watch job boards. Many PT jobs in Long Beach are filled through word-of-mouth, especially in private practice. Attend local events hosted by the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) or the Los Angeles Chapter of the APTA. Networking here is key.

Getting Licensed in CA

California is a strict, but fair, licensing state. The process is managed by the California Physical Therapy Board (CPTB). Here’s the timeline and cost breakdown.

Requirements:

1. Degree: You must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist program.
2. Pass the NPTE: You must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs. This is a national exam, but CA requires it.
3. State-Specific Exam (The Law & Ethics Exam): This is unique to California. It's a 50-question computer-based exam focused specifically on California state laws and regulations governing PT practice. You must pass this after passing the NPTE.
4. Live Scan Fingerprinting: A mandatory criminal background check.

Timeline:

• Start to Finish: From the moment you submit your application to the CPTB, the process can take 8 to 12 weeks. This includes the time to process your application, schedule and take the law exam, and receive your license number.
• Total Time: If you are studying for the NPTE, add 2-3 months of study time. Overall, plan for a 6-month process from starting your application to having your license in hand.

Costs (Approximate):

• NPTE Fee: $485 (paid to the FSBPT)
• California Law & Ethics Exam: $250 (paid to the CPTB)
• Application Fee: $250 (paid to the CPTB)
• Live Scan Fee: $75 - $100 (varies by provider)
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$1,060 - $1,085

Insider Tip: Start your California application before you take the NPTE. You can submit your application and transcripts to the CPTB, and they will grant you eligibility to sit for the California Law & Ethics Exam once you pass the NPTE. This can cut weeks off your total time.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live in Long Beach dramatically impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why PTs Live Here
Bixby Knolls / Los Cerritos	Quiet, family-friendly, tree-lined. Easy access to the 605 and 405 freeways. 15-20 min drive to most major hospitals.	$1,900 - $2,200	Excellent balance of affordability and safety. Great for families. Close to the VA and MemorialCare clinics.
East Long Beach / Los Altos	Suburban, clean, and more spacious. Known for being quiet and safe. 20-25 min commute to downtown.	$1,850 - $2,100	If you want a classic suburban feel with good schools and don't mind the drive. Affordable rents for the area.
Belmont Shore	Vibrant, walkable, coastal. The "postcard" part of Long Beach. 10-15 min to downtown, but traffic can be tricky.	$2,200 - $2,500	For those who prioritize lifestyle over budget. Perfect if you work at St. Mary or a downtown clinic. Car is still a must.
Cambria / Downtown	Urban, gritty, full of culture. Walkable to everything, including the VA hospital and Memorial Medical Center.	$2,100 - $2,400	Ideal for the urban PT who wants to minimize commute time. You can walk or bike to work. Parking is a nightmare.
Lakewood / Cerritos (Bordering)	Technically not Long Beach but part of the metro. Clean, safe, and very family-oriented. 20-30 min commute.	$1,800 - $2,100	Often more bang for your buck in terms of square footage. Very popular with healthcare professionals due to safety and schools.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the 405 and 605 is no joke. If you work at Kaiser in Harbor City, living in East Long Beach or Lakewood might cut your commute from 45 minutes to 20. Use Google Maps' "depart at" feature to check real commute times before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Long Beach offers multiple pathways for advancement beyond the standard clinical track.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a direct pay bump, specializing is your best leverage for salary negotiation. Long Beach has demand for:
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): High demand in private practice and sports med.
  • Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Critical for inpatient rehab and VA positions.
  • Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: A growing niche in private practice, especially in affluent areas like Belmont Shore.
  • Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist (PCS): Essential for Miller Children's and many school districts.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from PT I to PT II to PT III (e.g., at Kaiser or MemorialCare). This comes with increased pay and responsibility.
  2. Management: Become a Clinic Director at an outpatient center. This role involves more administrative work but comes with a significant pay increase.
  3. Academia: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has a highly respected DPT program. Adjunct faculty positions are available, often for experienced clinicians. This is a great way to give back and diversify your resume.
  4. Entrepreneurship: Long Beach's large population and active culture support private practice. Many PTs start their own clinics after 5-10 years of experience, specializing in areas like sports performance or pelvic health.

10-Year Outlook: With a 14% job growth rate, you can expect a steady increase in opportunities. The aging population (a huge demographic in Long Beach) and the focus on value-based care will keep demand strong. The key to future-proofing your career will be specialization and building a strong local network. The PT who is both a skilled clinician and a known entity in the Long Beach healthcare community will never be out of work.

The Verdict: Is Long Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary Premium: Higher than the national average.	High Cost of Living: Rent is a significant burden.
Diverse Job Market: Hospitals, private practice, schools, academia, VA.	Competitive Market: Especially for entry-level positions at top employers.
10-Year Growth: A stable, growing field.	Traffic & Commute: Can be a major quality of life issue.
Lifestyle: Unbeatable access to the coast, culture, and food.	Homeownership Barrier: Very difficult on a single PT salary.
Networking: Concentrated healthcare community.	State Regulations: CA-specific licensing adds a time/cost hurdle.

Final Recommendation:
Long Beach is an excellent choice for mid-career (3+ years) PTs who specialize or are willing to work in high-demand settings like inpatient rehab or pediatrics. The salary allows for a comfortable, if not luxurious, lifestyle, and the career opportunities are abundant. For new graduates, it's a tough market to break into, but not impossible. You'll need to be aggressive in your search, be open to less desirable shifts (weekends/evenings), and consider starting in a larger outpatient network to build experience. If you are a dual-income household, Long Beach becomes highly attractive, offering a coastal career without the extreme costs of the Bay Area. If you're a single PT looking to buy a home in the near future, you may find the financial math challenging. In that case, consider a 5-year plan: come for the career growth, build your savings, and reassess.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new grad. Can I really get a job in Long Beach?
A: Yes, but be strategic. Target hospital-based residency programs (MemorialCare, St. Mary) or large outpatient chains (Kaiser, MemorialCare clinics) that have structured onboarding. Consider applying for positions in nearby Orange County or the San Fernando Valley, which are also part of the broader LA metro and may have more openings. Your first job is a stepping stone.

Q: Is the cost of living really that high?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index is 115.5 (US avg = 100). While not as high as San Francisco, it's a significant jump from the national average. The biggest factor is housing. Your budget should be built around the $2,006/month rent. Factor in higher gas prices (often $1.50-$2.00 above the national average) and state income taxes.

Q: What's the best way to network in the local PT community?
A: Join the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) and the Los Angeles District. Attend their annual conferences and local meetings. Also, look for events hosted by CSULB's DPT department. They often have guest lectures and networking events open to the public. A personal recommendation from a local PT is the golden ticket.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely. Long Beach is a spread-out city. While there are pockets like downtown and Belmont Shore where you can walk to some things, and a decent bus system, the public transit doesn't reliably connect all healthcare employers. A car is essential for commuting, grocery shopping, and exploring the wider LA metro.

Q: What's the weather like, and does it affect PT work?
A: Long Beach has a Mediterranean climate—mild, sunny, and dry year-round. Rain is rare. This is great for outdoor activities and patient motivation for walking programs. However, the "June Gloom" (morning marine layer) can sometimes dampen outdoor activities, but it rarely disrupts clinical work. The consistent weather is a boon for maintaining patient exercise routines.