Anaheim vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Anaheim, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anaheim, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,884▲ | $84,403 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.29▲ | $40.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,390▲ | $43,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,200▲ | $67,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,621▲ | $95,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,647▲ | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 51 | 870▲ |
Verdict
Anaheim, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Anaheim and San Diego is $1,481 (1.75%). Anaheim's median is +22.26% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anaheim spans $61,257,San Diego spans $60,621. Anaheim has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anaheim ($75,936 effective) pays 0.66% more than San Diego ($75,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anaheim if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,884/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,647)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,936)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Anaheim grew -11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Anaheim, CA
$94,278 (2024) → $83,602 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anaheim, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Anaheim or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anaheim and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Anaheim to San Diego as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Anaheim vs San Diego?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov