Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego, California

The median physical therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $146,580 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$146,580
vs State Avg
+$3,909
vs National
+$48,860
Cost of Living
142%

Physical Therapist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median physical therapist salary of $146,580, which is $3,909 above the California state average of $142,671. Compared to the national median of $97,720, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $146,580 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $103,225. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in San Diego spans from $100,200 at the 10th percentile to $195,300 at the 90th percentile — a $95,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $102,000, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $192,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $102,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $192,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,000
+$34,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,000
+$49,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$192,000
+$64,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $100,200
25th Percentile $120,300
Median (50th) $146,580
75th Percentile $174,600
90th Percentile $195,300

Physical Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$185,668
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$171,987
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$150,489
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$123,127
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Physical Therapist in San Diego

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open physical therapist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Physical Therapist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in San Diego, California is $146,580 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $100,200 (10th percentile) to $195,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,580, a physical therapist in San Diego earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
San Diego's median physical therapist salary of $146,580 is 2.7% above the California state average of $142,671. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $146,580 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in San Diego? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in San Diego require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.