Riverside vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,372 | $84,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.12 | $40.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,795▲ | $43,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,164▲ | $67,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,218 | $95,919▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,343 | $103,819▲ |
| Total Employed | 860 | 870▲ |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Diego is $3,031 (3.72%). 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 Riverside spans $37,548,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, Riverside ($76,447 effective) pays 1.34% more than San Diego ($75,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,447)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,403/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,819)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Riverside grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$72,880 (2019) → $79,210 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Riverside or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Diego as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Riverside vs San Diego?
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