Lake Forest vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Lake Forest, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,237▲ | $116,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.69▲ | $56.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,084▲ | $79,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,014▲ | $99,202 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,167▲ | $137,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,297▲ | $162,604 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 2,680▲ |
Verdict
Lake Forest, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and San Diego is $9,586 (8.22%). Lake Forest's median is +19.90% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Forest spans $69,213,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, Lake Forest ($111,615 effective) pays 7.06% 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 Lake Forest if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,297)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,615)
- ✓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 Lake Forest grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$121,036 (2024) → $123,206 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Lake Forest or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to San Diego as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Lake Forest 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