San Diego vs Sunnyvale: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,651 | $145,764▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.09 | $70.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,407 | $107,450▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,202 | $120,064▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,153 | $175,122▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,604 | $197,039▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale is $29,113 (24.96%). Sunnyvale's median is +38.44% 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,Sunnyvale spans $89,589. Sunnyvale 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, Sunnyvale ($128,881 effective) pays 23.62% 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 Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,764/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,039)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,881)
- ✓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 11.6% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$127,435 (2024) → $142,264 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: San Diego or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Sunnyvale as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in San Diego vs Sunnyvale?
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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