San Diego vs San Jose: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between San Diego, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,403 | $99,843▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.58 | $48.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,198 | $71,182▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,494 | $84,208▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,919 | $107,682▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,819 | $122,054▲ |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 400 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Jose is $15,440 (18.29%). San Jose's median is +42.13% 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,San Jose spans $50,872. 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 Jose ($90,419 effective) pays 19.86% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,843/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,054)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,419)
- ✓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 32.2% growth in San Jose over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$73,520 (2019) → $97,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: San Diego or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Jose?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Jose as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in San Diego vs San Jose?
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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