California offers some of the most varied and rewarding destinations for PT and PTA professionals who want strong clinical experience, steady demand, and an active lifestyle. Whether you are exploring travel PT jobs in California or considering a permanent move, this guide explains why clinicians choose the state, and it breaks down what each major region feels like in terms of work, geography, culture, and attractions.
Quick Takeaways (TL;DR)
- California has huge demand for physical therapy clinicians across outpatient, acute, skilled nursing facilities, pediatrics, and sports rehab settings.
- Big cities tend to offer specialty opportunities and high pay, while inland and Central Valley markets may offer faster hiring and lower cost of living.
- California lifestyles can vary widely, from beaches to mountains to desert, so you can match your travel therapy assignment to how you want to live.
Who this Guide Is for:
- Physical therapy professionals exploring short-term assignments in California.
- PTs and PTAs considering relocation or per-diem work in California.
- Clinicians who want to compare city-by-city opportunity, cost of living, and lifestyle.
Main Reasons to Choose PT Jobs in California
- Clinical variety, fast: Academic hospitals, outpatient specialty clinics, pediatric centers, sports medicine practices, and skilled nursing facilities are all common across the state. That variety helps you build a stronger physical therapy resume in less time.
- Professional growth and continuing education: California hosts many CE courses, specialty workshops, and academic programs. If you want to specialize in sports, oncology, neuro, or pediatrics, you can find mentors and training opportunities.
- Diverse patient populations: Working in California exposes you to broad cultural and socioeconomic diversity, which sharpens clinical reasoning and cultural competence.
- Lifestyle options: California supports outdoor life and vibrant urban culture at the same time. You might be able to surf in the morning, hike in the afternoon, check out a museum at night, and still make it to work on time.
- Research and networking: Large academic centers and health systems run clinical research and trials, so physical therapists interested in research or academic collaboration have options.
Where to Go? City-by-City Breakdown
Los Angeles and Los Angeles County
Why clinicians choose LA: Los Angeles is a huge healthcare market with large hospital systems, specialty outpatient practices, and a vivid sports and entertainment rehab niche. Clinicians gain experience with diverse caseloads, from complex trauma and neurological rehab at academic centers to elite sports rehab and orthopedics.
Lifestyle and geography: Los Angeles is a sprawling coastal basin surrounded by mountains. Expect microclimates: beach weather in Santa Monica, cooler breezes in the Palos Verdes area, and warmer inland valleys. Culture is a mashup of entertainment, art, global cuisine, and a huge fitness scene. Typical attractions include Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Hollywood, Venice Beach, and world-class museums and theaters. The commute can be long, but many neighborhoods provide vibrant local life, parks, and good restaurants. If you enjoy variety, LA gives city energy, hiking in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains, and quick beach access.
San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland, and San Jose
Why clinicians choose it: The Bay Area blends high-tech healthcare innovation with world-class academic hospitals. Clinicians with advanced skills in neurological rehab, pediatrics, and outpatient specialty care are in demand. Due to a high cost of living, pay rates also tend to be higher in the Bay Area.
Lifestyle and geography: The Bay Area sits on a dramatic coastline and hilly inland terrain with mild, often foggy weather near the water and warmer microclimates inland. Culture is progressive and tech-oriented, with a strong food scene, museums, live music, and abundant outdoor options such as Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, and the wineries of Napa and Sonoma within easy reach. San Jose offers a more suburban tech-hub feel, while San Francisco has a dense, walkable urban core and iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. Oakland brings a thriving arts and culinary scene and more diverse, affordable neighborhoods.
San Diego and San Diego County
Why clinicians choose it: San Diego is known for a strong outpatient and sports therapy market, plus significant military and VA healthcare needs. Clinicians who want a mix of beach life and professional variety often choose this region. The cost of living in San Diego County is high, but there may also be a “sunshine tax” on pay rates due to the desirability of many SD destinations.
Lifestyle and geography: San Diego is sunny, coastal, and relaxed, with miles of beaches, parks, and an easygoing vibe. The city is geographically diverse, with coastal neighborhoods like La Jolla, harbor areas like Coronado, and inland canyons and mesas. Popular attractions include Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Island, and nearby desert and mountain escapes for weekend trips. The food culture is strong, with excellent Mexican cuisine and seafood. San Diego County has many desirable cities along the coast, such as Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside. There are also nice cities further inland like Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Poway, Santee, La Mesa, and Chula Vista.
Sacramento Metropolitan Area
Why clinicians choose it: Sacramento offers a growing healthcare market with stable demand in regional hospitals and outpatient settings. It is a good option for clinicians who want access to diverse clinical cases without coastal prices.
Lifestyle and geography: Sacramento sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, with a flat, walkable downtown and many riverfront parks. The city has a mix of state government energy and a lively farm-to-fork food culture. Outdoor weekend trips range from the nearby Sierra Nevada for skiing and backpacking to wine country in the north. Neighborhoods vary from historic midtown with coffee shops and breweries to family-oriented suburbs. Commuting is generally easier than in bigger metros, and the central location makes travel to Lake Tahoe, Napa, and the Bay Area doable for long weekends.
Bakersfield and Fresno
Why clinicians choose the Central Valley: Bakersfield and Fresno both serve as essential healthcare hubs for agricultural and rural populations. Openings in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care, and home health are common, and clinicians can often start quickly and build deep community ties.
Lifestyle and geography: The Central Valley is flat and agricultural, with wide-open skies and a slower pace of life. Fresno sits closer to the Sierra and is a common gateway to Yosemite, while Bakersfield has strong oil and agriculture ties and easy access to Kern River recreation and the Sequoia National Forest. Expect lower housing costs and family-friendly neighborhoods. Culture is community-focused, with local fairs, farmers markets, and regional events. If you value quick access to national parks and affordable living, these cities provide that balance.
Riverside County
Why clinicians choose it: Riverside County offers proximity to Los Angeles and Orange County without the same cost of living. The county has expanding healthcare needs across suburban and rural pockets, making it a good target for clinicians seeking steady demand.
Lifestyle and geography: Riverside County stretches from inland valleys to mountain foothills, with desert areas farther east. The area includes communities like Riverside, Corona, Temecula, and Palm Springs nearby for weekend escapes. Culture varies from suburban family neighborhoods to wine country in Temecula and arts events in Riverside city. Outdoor activities include hiking in the Box Springs Mountains, river recreation, and local festivals. Commutes into LA or Orange County are possible, but be mindful of freeway traffic during peak hours.
Orange County
Why clinicians choose it: Orange County mixes upscale outpatient markets, sports and orthopedic clinics, and well-staffed hospital systems. It is popular for clinicians who want near-beach living and family-friendly communities without the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.
Lifestyle and geography: Orange County is known for sandy beaches, planned suburbs, and a strong outdoor lifestyle. Cities such as Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, and Anaheim provide varied neighborhoods, shopping, and cultural venues. Attractions include Disneyland, Huntington Beach pier, Newport Harbor, and numerous coastal state parks. The county has a reputation for safety, good schools, and family-oriented amenities. Expect higher housing costs in coastal areas, and more moderate pricing in inland suburbs.
How to Choose the Right California Assignment
- Match the clinical setting to your goals, for example, choose Bay Area academic centers for neuro or research, and choose San Diego or Orange County for sports and outpatient ortho experience.
- Factor lifestyle and commute, because California regions vary widely in traffic patterns, neighborhood style, and nearby recreation.
- Confirm licensure and credential timelines, since California Board of Physical Therapy requirements and background checks can take several weeks.
- Think long-term in small steps, using travel assignments to build skills that lead to permanent roles if you want them.
Ready to explore physical therapy jobs in California? Apply now to speak with a recruiter about current and future openings.