Hawthorne vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Hawthorne, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hawthorne, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,042▲ | $116,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.08▲ | $56.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,351▲ | $79,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,428▲ | $99,202 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,247▲ | $137,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,900 | $162,604▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 2,680▲ |
Verdict
Hawthorne and San Diego are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hawthorne and San Diego is $10,391 (8.91%). Hawthorne's median is +20.66% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hawthorne spans $71,549,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, Hawthorne ($112,327 effective) pays 7.74% 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 Hawthorne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,042/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,327)
- ✓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 Hawthorne grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Hawthorne, CA
$121,807 (2024) → $123,992 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hawthorne, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Hawthorne or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hawthorne and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Hawthorne to San Diego as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Hawthorne vs San Diego?
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