Lake Elsinore vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lake Elsinore, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Elsinore, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,144 | $84,382▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.46 | $40.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,642 | $61,340▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,393 | $79,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,327▲ | $92,395 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,356▲ | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 3,730▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Elsinore.
The salary gap between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles is $238 (0.28%). Los Angeles's median is +20.12% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Elsinore spans $56,714,Los Angeles spans $42,479. Lake Elsinore 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, Lake Elsinore ($74,398 effective) pays 0.13% more than Los Angeles ($74,302 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Elsinore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,356)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,398)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,382/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Lake Elsinore grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lake Elsinore, CA
$87,947 (2024) → $81,908 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Elsinore, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lake Elsinore or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lake Elsinore to Los Angeles as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lake Elsinore vs Los Angeles?
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