Physical Therapist - Per Diem
Listed compensation
$60-$70/hr
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
- Job Location: Downey - Downey, CA 90240
- Position Type: Per Diem
- Salary Range: $60.00 - $70.00 Hourly
Physical Therapist – Per Diem encorewellness.com Encore Wellness is the nation's leading physical therapy, fitness, and wellness company.
Our range of services includes outpatient and mobile physical therapy, customized fitness programs, group exercise classes, balance and fall prevention classes, and wellness education. These services are provided at our 9 centers located in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
We also serve seniors nationwide with our virtual Wellness Everywhere program. Our facilities offer the latest equipment and clinically supervised fitness instruction for mature adults. Encore Wellness changes lives by helping mature adults achieve greater wellness and lasting independence.
We are actively recruiting for a Per Diem Physical Therapist to join our passionate team in California. The Physical Therapist is responsible for evaluating and treating primarily geriatric patients with orthopedic, neurological, and medical problems.
They are also responsible for completing the required documentation, including an initial evaluation, daily progress notes, physician progress notes, home exercise programs, and billing information. Our mission at Encore Wellness is to improve the lives of seniors through wellness.
As our physical therapist, you will positively impact thousands of lives by providing exceptional therapy care to our clients' senior population surrounding your clinic.
What you do: Performs an effective evaluation by accurately assessing ROM, strength, sensation, and functional status, including gait Identifies problems that can be addressed with treatment and sets realistic goals for the patient Demonstrates good working knowledge of modalities, including indications and contraindications for use Utilizes your knowledge of exercise programming as a strategy to provide appropriate improvement of ROM, strength, functional status, and decreasing pain Capable of working with geriatric patients with orthopedic, neurological, or medical problems Keeps accurate, up-to-date records in patient's chart, including initial evaluation, daily progress notes, physician progress reports, and home programs Routinely exhibits good patient relations skills Ability to provide exceptional communications by adjusting approach or tone as needed based upon patient needs Ability to use time management and effective use of a PT Aide to meet or exceed productivity needs Be willing to cover shifts at all 3 Southern California locations What you know: Graduate of APTA - approved Physical Therapy program, or equivalent.
CPR certification (BLS), California Physical Therapy license or license eligible, National Provider Identifier (NPI) number Minimum of two years’ experience treating in an outpatient clinic What will make you exceptional: Alignment with our values and passion for senior care Ability to multi-task, work independently and in a team environment Prior experience in effectively using a PT Aide Bilingual Spanish is a plus What we offer: Per Diem shift coverage as a W-2 employee for coverage as needed Only commit to shifts that you can cover Shift coverages are 7:30am-4:30pm and 8a – 5p weekdays only Competitive hourly rate dependent on your experience ($60-70/hr) 401(k) Eligibility following 90 Days Background checks and drug screening are part of our employment process.
At Encore, “We are W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S for our members – championing their health, independence, and joy in aging. We are also warriors for ourselves – committed to our own wellness so we can lead with purpose, compassion, and strength in everything we do.” Qualifications
Key Responsibilities
The Physical Therapist is responsible for evaluating and treating geriatric patients with orthopedic, neurological, and medical conditions. They must also maintain accurate patient records, including evaluations, progress notes, and home exercise programs.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a California Physical Therapy license and have a minimum of two years of experience in an outpatient clinic. A degree from an APTA-approved program and BLS certification are required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Certifications
Key Skills
Physical Therapist Career Context
Of the 50 active Physical Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 8% are remote, 40% have no call, 40% require no weekends.
In California, the Physical Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$116k (1,555 salary observations; 3,986 listings), vs ~$94k nationally (15,149 salary observations; 57,960 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 6.8 / 10 · above average in physical therapy | ranked against 21,942 Physical Therapy listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | not listed | Physical Therapy median $132k (middle half $128k–$156k)23 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| California vs national | $116k median in California | $94k nationally (+24%)1,555 state / 15,149 national salary observations |
| Cost of living | California index 110.7 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Physical Therapy listings in California | 1,770 active | 22,060 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 8% remote · 40% no call · 40% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Physical Therapist - Per Diem at Encore Wellness Therapy a 6.8 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Physical Therapy — ranked against 21,942 active Physical Therapy listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.
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