Physical Therapist Jobs in California
Physical Therapist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand running from new graduates through senior clinicians across hospital systems, outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health, and pediatric and neurological rehabilitation. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area anchor most of the hiring, where large systems like Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Cedars-Sinai maintain deep and ongoing physical therapist rosters. Sports rehabilitation, geriatric care, and neurological recovery are the specialties drawing the heaviest California demand right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job description
We are seeking a friendly and compassionate Physical Therapists to join our team our "IN-HOUSE Therapy Team ".
As a Physical Therapist, you will play a crucial role in helping patients regain their mobility and independence. You will work closely with a diverse patient population, utilizing your expertise and skills to create personalized treatment plans and provide exceptional care. We are committed to fostering a collaborative atmosphere where our therapists can grow and thrive. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others, we would love to hear from you.
- Job Title: Physical Therapist (PT)
- Facility Type: Skilled Nursing Facility
- Location: 2990 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
- Position Type: Full Time /Part Time and /or PRN
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Provides direct patient care, evaluates functional needs and outcomes, and consults with other specialists.
- Designs and implements a plan of care for patients based on a thorough assessment of potential development and incorporates participation by significant others whenever it seems appropriate.
- Conducts therapy practice within defined standards of care.
- Directs the assistance of support staff to achieve patients’ functional goals.
- Communicates effectively with other professional and support staff to achieve positive patient outcomes.
- Practices departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
- Regularly updates documentation and maintains prescriptions and signatures.
- Enhances professional growth and development of self and others through participation in educational programs, in-service meetings, and workshops.
- Provides direction and leadership to staff and acts as a resource to promote physical therapy in the community.
Qualifications:
- Graduate of an approved curriculum Physical Therapy
- Is able to practice unencumbered
- Is in good standing with all regulatory agencies and licensing boards
- Working knowledge of Medicare and other payer sources
- Full knowledge or resident rights
- Exudes professionalism in presentation
- Ability to multitask
- Must be able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in the English language
- CPR Certification
EEO Statement:
We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related condition), age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status protected by law.
See All 315+ Physical Therapist Jobs in California
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Find Physical Therapist JobsPhysical Therapist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physical Therapist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- HiredFirst14H
- FeldCare Connects14

- Kaiser Permanente10

- California Rehabilitation & Sports Therapy9
- Sutter Health8

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Insurance
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physical therapist jobs across California.
- Active California Physical Therapist license issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program
- Current CPR and BLS certification from an approved provider
- One or more years of clinical experience in orthopedic, neurological, or acute care settings
- Specialty board certification such as OCS, NCS, or GCS preferred for senior positions
- Experience with electronic medical record systems used in California health systems
Physical Therapist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physical therapist in California?
You must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, then pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. After passing, you apply for licensure through the Physical Therapy Board of California, which requires submitting transcripts, examination scores, and a background check. California does not participate in the PT Compact, so out-of-state licensees must apply for a California license directly rather than transferring an existing license.
How much do physical therapists make in California?
Physical therapists in California earn a median of about $124,190 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,580 for the lowest 10% to over $163,960 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire physical therapists in California?
Employers hiring physical therapists in California right now include HiredFirst, FeldCare Connects, and Kaiser Permanente, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's size means openings appear across major health systems, independent outpatient groups, home health agencies, and school districts, giving physical therapists a broader range of settings than most states offer.
Which California cities have the most physical therapist jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Oakland consistently post the most physical therapist openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through their large hospital networks, dense outpatient clinic markets, and major sports and rehabilitation centers, while the Bay Area adds demand from academic medical centers and technology-sector employee wellness programs that sustain steady hiring even in suburban corridors.
Are there remote physical therapist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Physical therapy is a hands-on clinical profession, so most positions require in-person patient care. About 17% of physical therapist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those roles are concentrated in telehealth triage, virtual consultations, home exercise program design, and clinical education or program management rather than direct treatment.
How can I get hired as a physical therapist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate residency programs, which large California employers including Kaiser Permanente and Cedars-Sinai run in orthopedics, sports, and neurology. Home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities in California hire new graduates with licensure in hand more readily than competitive hospital systems do. Physical therapy aide and rehabilitation technician roles at California outpatient clinics are a common lateral entry point. Holding an active California Physical Therapy Board license and completing at least one California-based clinical rotation gives new applicants a meaningful edge over candidates who have not yet completed state requirements.
Where can I find and apply to physical therapist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to physical therapist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring right now. Find the roles that fit your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 315+ Physical Therapist Jobs in California
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