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

Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in San Diego, California

The median speech therapy assistant salary in San Diego, CA is $72,000 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$72,000
vs State Avg
+$1,920
vs National
+$24,000
Cost of Living
142%

Speech Therapy Assistant Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median speech therapy assistant salary of $72,000, which is $1,920 above the California state average of $70,080. Compared to the national median of $48,000, 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 $72,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $50,704. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for speech therapy assistants in San Diego spans from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $111,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior speech therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,000. 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.

Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level speech therapy assistant earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$17,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,500
+$24,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
+$35,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $72,000
75th Percentile $93,000
90th Percentile $111,000

Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Speech Therapy Assistant in San Diego

Education

Most speech therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech TherapyPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationPatienceTherapy Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Speech Therapy Assistant Jobs in San Diego

Browse open speech therapy assistant positions in San Diego, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in San Diego

How much does a Speech Therapy Assistant make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median speech therapy assistant salary in San Diego, California is $72,000 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $48,000. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $111,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech Therapy Assistant make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,000, a speech therapy assistant in San Diego earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for speech therapy assistant pay? ▼
San Diego's median speech therapy assistant salary of $72,000 is 2.7% above the California state average of $70,080. 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 speech therapy assistant salary of $72,000 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a speech therapy assistant in San Diego? ▼
Most speech therapy assistant positions in San Diego require a associate's degree. Key skills include Speech Therapy, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 18% nationally over the next decade.