Los Angeles vs San Luis Obispo: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,382▲ | $81,146 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.57▲ | $39.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,340▲ | $60,395 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,739▲ | $74,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,395▲ | $86,057 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,819▲ | $98,611 |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Luis Obispo.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo is $3,236 (3.99%). 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 Los Angeles spans $42,479,San Luis Obispo spans $38,216. Los Angeles 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 Luis Obispo ($74,723 effective) pays 0.57% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,382/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,819)
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Luis Obispo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,723)
- ✓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 22.9% growth in San Luis Obispo over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
San Luis Obispo, CA
$64,280 (2019) → $78,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Los Angeles or San Luis Obispo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Los Angeles vs San Luis Obispo?
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