Los Angeles vs San Mateo: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Mateo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,382 | $85,298▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.57 | $41.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,340▲ | $55,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,739▲ | $76,078 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,395 | $97,729▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,819 | $116,095▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Mateo, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Mateo is $916 (1.09%). San Mateo's median is +21.43% 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 Mateo spans $60,744. San Mateo 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 Mateo ($75,418 effective) pays 1.50% 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 Mateo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,298/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,095)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,418)
- ✓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 -6.9% growth in San Mateo over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
San Mateo, CA
$89,154 (2024) → $83,031 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Mateo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Los Angeles or San Mateo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Mateo?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Mateo as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Los Angeles vs San Mateo?
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