San Diego vs Santa Maria: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,651 | $131,846▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.09 | $63.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,407 | $102,132▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,202 | $108,392▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,153 | $150,831▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,604 | $168,885▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 310 |
Verdict
Santa Maria, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Santa Maria is $15,195 (13.03%). Santa Maria's median is +25.22% 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,Santa Maria spans $66,753. 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, Santa Maria ($121,184 effective) pays 16.24% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (2,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,885)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,184)
- ✓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 26.5% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$101,710 (2019) → $128,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: San Diego or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Santa Maria as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in San Diego vs Santa Maria?
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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