Manteca vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Manteca, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manteca, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,513 | $84,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.67 | $40.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,568▲ | $43,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,028▲ | $67,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,389 | $95,919▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,148▲ | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 870▲ |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manteca.
The salary gap between Manteca and San Diego is $1,890 (2.29%). 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 Manteca spans $48,580,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 3.40% more than Manteca ($72,956 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manteca if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,148)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,403/year)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓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 Manteca grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Manteca, CA
$86,242 (2024) → $80,320 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manteca, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Manteca or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manteca and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Manteca to San Diego as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Manteca 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