Salinas vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Salinas, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salinas, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,166▲ | $84,403 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.91▲ | $40.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,096▲ | $43,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,191▲ | $67,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,127▲ | $95,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,620▲ | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 870▲ |
Verdict
Salinas, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Salinas and San Diego is $2,763 (3.27%). Salinas's median is +24.09% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salinas spans $38,524,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, Salinas ($79,938 effective) pays 5.97% 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 Salinas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,166/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,620)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,938)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓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 Salinas grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Salinas, CA
$69,790 (2019) → $84,850 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salinas, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Salinas or 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