San Diego vs Visalia: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and Visalia, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Visalia, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,651▲ | $107,798 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.09▲ | $51.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,407▲ | $51,076 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,202 | $99,314▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,153▲ | $132,204 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,604▲ | $134,489 |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 230 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Visalia.
The salary gap between San Diego and Visalia is $8,853 (8.21%). San Diego's median is +10.79% 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,Visalia spans $83,413. Visalia 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, Visalia ($107,987 effective) pays 3.58% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,651/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,604)
- ✓Larger job market (2,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Visalia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,987)
- ✓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 -5.0% growth in Visalia over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
Visalia, CA
$110,740 (2019) → $105,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Visalia, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: San Diego or Visalia?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Visalia?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Visalia as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in San Diego vs Visalia?
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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