Huntington Beach vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Huntington Beach, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington Beach, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,027▲ | $116,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.03▲ | $56.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,047▲ | $79,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,357▲ | $99,202 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,435▲ | $137,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,362▲ | $162,604 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 2,680▲ |
Verdict
Huntington Beach, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Huntington Beach and San Diego is $12,376 (10.61%). Huntington Beach's median is +22.55% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington Beach spans $80,315,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, Huntington Beach ($114,082 effective) pays 9.42% 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 Huntington Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,027/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,362)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,082)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓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 Huntington Beach grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Huntington Beach, CA
$123,710 (2024) → $125,929 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington Beach, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Huntington Beach or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington Beach and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Huntington Beach to San Diego as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Huntington Beach 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