Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $81,690 +24.7% vs national
Median hourly $39.27
10th percentile $67,590
90th percentile $102,660
Employed locally 700
National median $65,510

Compare Physical Therapist Assistants salary & buying power

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Physical Therapist Assistants
in
San Diego, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $67,590
    25th
    $75,930
    50th (median)
    $81,690
    75th
    $95,790
    90th
    $102,660

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Physical Therapist Assistants salary vs area income 80% Median Physical Therapist Assistants salary is 20% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Physical Therapist Assistants

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $97,350
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,230
    Modesto, CA $96,120
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $90,000
    Spartanburg, SC $85,470
    Salinas, CA $84,210

    Nearby metros — Physical Therapist Assistants salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $97,350
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,230
    Modesto, CA $96,120
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $90,000
    Salinas, CA $84,210
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $83,820

    Related occupations in San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $35,050
    Nursing Assistants $46,600
    Medical Assistants $47,780
    Dental Assistants $46,420
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $44,830
    Massage Therapists $41,600

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Diego, CA is $39.27, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.59 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Physical Therapist Assistants salaries?

    The median Physical Therapist Assistants salary in San Diego, CA is 24.7% above the national median of $65,510. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Diego?

    Entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $67,590 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $75,930.