Los Angeles vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,382 | $84,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.57 | $40.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,340▲ | $43,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,739▲ | $67,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,395 | $95,919▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,819 | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 870 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Diego is $21 (0.02%). San Diego's median is +20.15% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $42,479,San Diego spans $60,621. San Diego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($75,436 effective) pays 1.53% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,403/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,436)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Los Angeles grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Los Angeles or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Diego as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Los Angeles 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