El Cajon vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between El Cajon, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Cajon, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,905▲ | $110,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.50▲ | $53.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,408▲ | $87,685 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,320▲ | $100,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,612▲ | $137,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,124▲ | $164,008 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 9,750▲ |
Verdict
El Cajon, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between El Cajon and Los Angeles is $17,074 (15.41%). El Cajon's median is +21.48% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Cajon spans $78,716,Los Angeles spans $76,323. El Cajon 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, El Cajon ($113,090 effective) pays 15.88% more than Los Angeles ($97,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Cajon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,905/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,124)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,090)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (9,750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in El Cajon grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
El Cajon, CA
$122,634 (2024) → $124,834 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$99,850 (2019) → $108,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Cajon, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: El Cajon or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Cajon and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from El Cajon to Los Angeles as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in El Cajon vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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