Thinking about your next travel assignment? Welcome to our Destination Deep Dive series, where we explore some of the best places for allied health professionals to live and work. First, we’re heading to Southern California to discover why taking physical therapist jobs in Los Angeles might be one of the most rewarding career moves you can make.
Why Physical Therapists Love Working in LA
Los Angeles is more than just a city, it’s a collection of diverse communities, stunning landscapes, and limitless opportunities for career and personal growth. For those looking for physical therapy jobs in California, particularly in and around Los Angeles, the greater LA area offers consistent demand, flexibility, and the kind of lifestyle that makes every day feel like a new adventure.
With its world-renowned hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics, PT jobs in LA range from cutting-edge sports rehab facilities to pediatric and neuro therapy practices. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or exploring your first assignment, the sheer variety of work settings and patient populations means you’ll continue growing as a clinician.
When you’re off the clock, Los Angeles delivers an unmatched lifestyle. You’ll find year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a global hub for culture, food, and entertainment. From the Hollywood Hills to Malibu’s coastline, Los Angeles offers endless ways to balance your professional life with personal exploration.
Los Angeles Overview: Geography, Culture, and Attractions
Los Angeles County stretches from the Pacific Ocean to mountain foothills, and it contains dozens of cities and neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Here are some of the things that make the region special to clinicians and to people who live here:
- Beaches and coast: Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and the South Bay coastline provide surf, bike paths, beach workouts, and sunset views.
- Mountains and hiking: Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the San Gabriel Mountains offer day hikes and trail running.
- Entertainment and Hollywood culture: Movie studios, celebrity culture, red carpet events, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and the Dolby Theatre attract millions of visitors each year.
- Museums and performing arts: The Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Natural History Museum host world-class exhibits and performances.
- Pro sports and performance rehab: The area is home to major professional teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Kings, LAFC, and LA Galaxy. College sports and elite training facilities create a steady need for sports medicine and performance therapists.
- Dining and neighborhoods: Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, downtown arts districts, and countless neighborhood markets and restaurants provide extraordinary culinary variety.
- Family life and suburbs: Pasadena, Burbank, Torrance, and parts of the valley offer family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and strong school districts.
- Events and festivals: Film premieres, music festivals, cultural parades, and seasonal street fairs keep the calendar active.
That variety means you can often choose a travel assignment that matches your clinical interest and the lifestyle you want after hours.
Top Los Angeles County Destinations
The County of LA is massive, spanning nearly 90 cities, each with its own character and charm. Below are some of the larger and most common destinations for physical therapy jobs in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles City Proper: Iconic and Inspiring
The city of Los Angeles itself is where opportunity and excitement meet. From Downtown to West Hollywood, you’ll find some of the nation’s top healthcare employers, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Health, and Keck Medicine of USC. These facilities often have strong demand for PT and PTA clinicians seeking travel assignments.
Outside of work, LA’s attractions are world-famous. Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit movie studios like Universal and Paramount, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of your favorite films. Shop luxury boutiques along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, cheer for the Lakers or Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, or catch a Dodgers game under the California sunset.
Nature lovers will enjoy hiking Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, while foodies can explore LA’s diverse culinary scene. Imagine eating Korean BBQ in Koreatown, tacos in East LA, and fresh seafood in near the Pacific Ocean. For physical therapists who love both professional growth and cultural adventure, LA proper is hard to beat.
Santa Monica: Where Wellness Meets the Ocean
If you’re looking for physical therapy jobs in Santa Monica, you’ll find a community that embraces health and outdoor living. The city’s beachside vibe attracts PTs who enjoy active lifestyles and holistic care. Many clinics here specialize in sports medicine, performance therapy, and orthopedics, serving everyone from professional athletes to weekend surfers.
When you’re not working, stroll the Santa Monica Pier, bike the beach path to Venice, or relax with ocean views at Palisades Park. The mix of coastal calm and energetic wellness culture makes Santa Monica a top destination for travel PTs in Los Angeles County.
Long Beach: Laid-Back and Coastal
Long Beach combines big-city energy with a relaxed, seaside pace. It’s a great option for PTs and PTAs seeking jobs near Los Angeles who prefer an easygoing environment. You’ll find rehab hospitals, outpatient clinics, and sports therapy centers serving a diverse patient base.
On your days off, enjoy the Aquarium of the Pacific, dine on the waterfront at Shoreline Village, or take a ferry to Catalina Island. Long Beach is also home to lively festivals, museums, and one of the most walkable downtowns in Southern California.
Pasadena: Historic Charm with Modern Appeal
Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena offers a quieter alternative for physical therapists working in the Los Angeles area. It’s known for its historic neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and reputable healthcare facilities such as Huntington Hospital and Shriners for Children Medical Center.
When you’re not treating patients, explore Old Pasadena’s shops and restaurants, visit the Norton Simon Museum, or hike Eaton Canyon Falls. Pasadena’s blend of sophistication and comfort appeals to many travelers who want both city access and small-town feel.
Burbank and Glendale: The Studio Cities
If you’re looking for PT jobs in Burbank or Glendale, these neighboring cities combine strong job markets with family-friendly living. You’ll find hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics that serve both entertainment industry professionals and local residents.
Burbank’s entertainment roots mean you’re close to Warner Bros. Studios and Universal City, while Glendale offers a thriving downtown with shopping and dining at The Americana at Brand, an upscale retail center. Both cities provide easy access to hiking in Griffith Park and quick commutes into central LA.
Torrance and the South Bay: Coastal Comfort and Career Growth
The South Bay region, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, Redondo Beach, and Torrance, is a desirable area to live when working physical therapy jobs in the greater LA area. Torrance in particular has a strong healthcare network and a high demand for PT and PTA clinicians.
Off the clock, the South Bay is paradise for those who love the outdoors. Bike along The Strand, surf at Manhattan Beach, or relax at a seaside café after work. The area’s welcoming atmosphere and slower pace make it a favorite among travelers who want both career stability and beachside serenity.
Pomona, West Covina, and the Eastern Cities
Heading east, cities like Pomona, West Covina, and Claremont offer great options for PTs seeking affordable physical therapy assignments in Los Angeles County. These communities have a strong demand for rehab therapy professionals, especially in home health, acute care, and outpatient rehab.
The area’s lower cost of living appeals to travelers who want to save money while gaining valuable experience. You’ll still be within reach of downtown LA, as well as weekend trips to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or Big Bear.
The Los Angeles Lifestyle for PT and PTA Travelers
Working physical therapy jobs in LA provides more than just a paycheck, it’s a full experience. You’ll join a network of healthcare clinicians passionate about wellness, innovation, and patient care. You’ll also have access to professional development opportunities, continuing education events, and one of the most diverse patient populations in the country.
And of course, the lifestyle speaks for itself. With its blend of beaches, mountains, culture, and entertainment, LA County offers endless options for exploration. Whether you’re catching a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, hiking the Santa Monica Mountains, or watching the sunset over the Pacific, life as a travel PT in Los Angeles offers the perfect mix of work and play.
Ready to explore physical therapy jobs in Los Angeles? Apply now to speak with a recruiter about current and future openings.