El Cajon vs San Francisco: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between El Cajon, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Cajon, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,961 | $98,539▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.36 | $47.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,348 | $68,418▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,502 | $84,023▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,769 | $104,076▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,809 | $120,040▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Cajon.
The salary gap between El Cajon and San Francisco is $14,578 (17.36%). San Francisco's median is +40.28% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Cajon spans $55,461,San Francisco spans $51,622. El Cajon 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, San Francisco ($85,232 effective) pays 14.81% more than El Cajon ($74,236 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Cajon if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,539/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,040)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,232)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in El Cajon grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.1% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
El Cajon, CA
$87,757 (2024) → $81,730 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$67,030 (2019) → $95,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Cajon, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: El Cajon or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Cajon and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from El Cajon to San Francisco as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in El Cajon vs San Francisco?
Related Comparisons
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