PT Outlook N. California

[Sir Oxorsid]

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Hello all, I'm an undergrad Texas student that will soon apply to PT school. I'm planning on moving to the Northern California/Bay Area at some point to work, so I'd like to know the job outlook in this area. I've heard mixed things regarding job opportunities and salaries, so it'd be nice if anyone has any knowledge to share aside from the basic info that comes off of google. It'd be particularly nice to hear from someone that is from that area. Are there a concerning amount of unemployed PTs in the area? Is the salary in the area really 33% above the national average (and does it help offset the atrocious cost of living in the area)?

Also if anyone if familiar with CA's PT state licensing process it would be nice to know if it's relatively simple or painful, how long it takes, etc. thanks.

 

[Azimuthal]

Unemployment? I had 3 offers from my previous rotations before I even graduated. PT's are in high demand at this time. As for COL, it's high and keeps rising. Transferring state credentials seems to take CA a lot longer than other states. Ive been hearing 5-6 months.

 

[scrawnyguy]

This purely anecdotal, but about a year ago I submitted an application to volunteer with the largest rehab provider in the state. I ended up moving to Colorado so I never followed through. A couple of months ago I got a call from them asking if I was interested in a job. Apparently they thought I was almost done with school rather just starting. If this is any indication organizations are actively recruiting PT's so I don't think finding a job will be a problem. The COL living is crazy in the area and I don't see that changing. The average cost of a house in the Bay is around 7 figures and rising. If you venture inland to places like Sacramento prices drop quite a bit. I lived there for a couple of years and my wife's family is still in the area. Sacramento doesn't have the nightlife or amenities you will find in the Bay, but it's not a bad place to live. Within a couple of hours you can be in SF, Tahoe, or wine country so on the weekends you can definitely keep entertained. My wife is getting homesick so we might be moving back in a couple of months. As far a credentials go I'm not entirely sure. My mom is a nurse though and I know she had some issues with her credentials when moving to the CA from MO. CA has its perks, but their government isn't exactly known for its efficiency.

 

[GoSparta]

A PT in the area spoke to a group of college students the other day about the career. In the bay area, he said it was about 70-75k starting ( not his salary but he's owned multiple clinics for 20 years).

It's a bit higher than average, but cost of living here as far as rent and homes go is insane. I grew up here, but am willing to move to an area that pays 10%-15% less, but housing is 50% cheaper until loans are gone...hopefully I find a location that pays more and COL is cheaper though.