Salinas vs San Diego: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Salinas, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salinas, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,247▲ | $116,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.62▲ | $56.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,361▲ | $79,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,081▲ | $99,202 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,887▲ | $137,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,674 | $162,604▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 2,680▲ |
Verdict
Salinas and San Diego are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Salinas and San Diego is $13,596 (11.66%). Salinas's median is +23.71% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salinas spans $76,313,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, Salinas ($119,447 effective) pays 14.57% 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 Salinas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,247/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,447)
- ✓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 Salinas grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Salinas, CA
$108,740 (2019) → $127,120 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salinas, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Salinas or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salinas and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Salinas to San Diego as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Salinas 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