San Diego vs Yuba City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and Yuba City, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Yuba City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,651▲ | $109,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.09▲ | $52.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,407 | $83,105▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,202▲ | $91,917 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,153▲ | $130,852 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,604▲ | $134,038 |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 70 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yuba City.
The salary gap between San Diego and Yuba City is $7,429 (6.80%). 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,Yuba City spans $50,933. 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, Yuba City ($104,786 effective) pays 0.51% 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 Yuba City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,786)
- ✓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 -6.4% growth in Yuba City over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
Yuba City, CA
$113,910 (2019) → $106,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Yuba City, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: San Diego or Yuba City?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Yuba City?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Yuba City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in San Diego vs Yuba City?
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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