San Diego vs Oxnard: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between San Diego, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,403▲ | $81,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.58▲ | $39.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,198 | $62,768▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,494 | $75,322▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,919▲ | $86,981 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,819▲ | $101,415 |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 210 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxnard.
The salary gap between San Diego and Oxnard is $2,753 (3.37%). 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 San Diego spans $60,621,Oxnard spans $38,647. San Diego 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 Diego ($75,436 effective) pays 2.12% more than Oxnard ($73,869 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,403/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,819)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,436)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in San Diego grew 37.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$66,040 (2019) → $79,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: San Diego or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Oxnard as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in San Diego vs Oxnard?
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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