San Diego vs Oxnard: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,651 | $119,643▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.09 | $57.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,407 | $84,243▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,202 | $103,987▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,153▲ | $136,169 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,604▲ | $158,465 |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 550 |
Verdict
San Diego and Oxnard are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Diego and Oxnard is $2,992 (2.56%). Oxnard's median is +13.63% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $83,197,Oxnard spans $74,222. San Diego 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, Oxnard ($108,241 effective) pays 3.82% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,604)
- ✓Larger job market (2,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,643/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,241)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in San Diego grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$87,570 (2019) → $116,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: San Diego or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Oxnard as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in San Diego vs Oxnard?
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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