Lancaster vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lancaster, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,124▲ | $84,382 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.41▲ | $40.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,280 | $61,340▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,689 | $79,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,715▲ | $92,395 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,145▲ | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 3,730▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Los Angeles is $1,742 (2.06%). Lancaster's median is +22.60% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $61,865,Los Angeles spans $42,479. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($76,149 effective) pays 2.48% 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 Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,124/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,145)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,149)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓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 Lancaster grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lancaster, CA
$90,016 (2024) → $83,835 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lancaster or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Los Angeles as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lancaster 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