Brea vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Brea, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brea, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,991▲ | $116,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.65▲ | $56.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,367▲ | $79,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,729▲ | $99,202 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,685▲ | $137,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,615 | $162,604▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 2,680▲ |
Verdict
Brea and San Diego are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Brea and San Diego is $5,340 (4.58%). Brea's median is +15.86% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brea spans $62,248,San Diego spans $83,197. San Diego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Brea ($107,861 effective) pays 3.46% more than San Diego ($104,258 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brea if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,991/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,861)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,604)
- ✓Larger job market (2,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Brea grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Brea, CA
$116,964 (2024) → $119,062 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Brea or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brea and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Brea to San Diego as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Brea vs San Diego?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov