San Diego vs Union City: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between San Diego, CA and Union City, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Union City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,403 | $84,592▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.58 | $40.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,198 | $57,669▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,494 | $75,541▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,919▲ | $95,243 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,819 | $106,623▲ |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Union City, 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 Union City is $189 (0.22%). Union City's median is +20.42% 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,Union City spans $48,954. 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 0.86% more than Union City ($74,794 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,436)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Union City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,592/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,623)
- ✓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 -6.9% growth in Union City over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $82,160 (2025)
Union City, CA
$88,415 (2024) → $82,344 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Union City, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: San Diego or Union City?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Union City?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Union City as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in San Diego vs Union City?
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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