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2026 Salary Data — San Diego, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego: $118K Median

Physical Therapists in San Diego, CA earn between $89K and $153K per year.

That's +18% above the US national median of $99,710 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $117,658 per year — +18% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $88,500 (entry, 25th percentile) to $153,400 (90th percentile). Physical Therapists in San Diego earned approximately $17,827 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$117,658
+560.0% YoY · $9,805/mo
Entry
$92,040
0–2 years
Experienced
$135,700
5+ years
Top 10%
$153,400
Senior/lead
Physical Therapist Salary — San Diego vs Nearby
San Diego
$118K
Los Angeles
$128K
-8% vs San Diego
San Francisco
$155K
-24% vs San Diego
Fresno
$95K
+24% vs San Diego

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About Physical Therapists in San Diego

Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.

Core Responsibilities

  • Patient evaluation
  • Treatment planning
  • Manual therapy
  • Exercise prescription
  • Documentation

Education & Certifications

Typical path: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

In-demand certifications

DPTOCS (Orthopedic Specialist)SCS (Sports)NCS (Neurologic)

San Diego Job Market

Major biotech and defense hub with growing tech sector.

Population
1426K
Cost of Living
161
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
Median Home
$850K

Top Industries in San Diego

DefenseBiotechTechTourismHealthcare

Top Employers Hiring Physical Therapists

Major employers active in San Diego or hiring remotely from this metro.

Hospital systems
Outpatient clinics
Sports medicine practices
Home health agencies
Schools

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Physical Therapist listings.

Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Career Outlook
+14% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population.

Physical Therapist Salary Breakdown — San Diego

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$88,500$117,658$153,400
Monthly$7,375$9,805$12,783
Weekly$1,702$2,263$2,950
Hourly$43$57$74

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($99,710) adjusted for San Diego's cost-of-living multiplier (1.18×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay in San Diego

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$84,599.213
Per month$7,050
Biweekly paycheck$3,254
Effective tax rate28.1%

Tax Breakdown on $117,658

Gross salary$117,658
Federal income tax−$17,586.76
California state tax−$6,471.19
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$9,000.837
Take-home (net)$84,599.213

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — San Diego

Career-stage progression for Physical Therapists in San Diego.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$84,677
2–3 yr$92,040
4–6 yr$113,870
7–10 yr$135,700
11–15 yr$160,126
15+ yr$144,550

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for San Diego's 1.18× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+560.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$17,827
2026 median:$117,658
Change:+$99,831

Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Telehealth PT and Sports medicine.

Is This A Good Salary?

Livable middle-class

Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$73,080
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego

Walk-away anchor: $106,962 (offers below this are below market for San Diego).

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

What To Say

"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"

Anchor on $136K–$153K for experienced roles, citing San Diego market data and your specific Telehealth PT/Sports medicine expertise.

Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — San Diego

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA?
The average Physical Therapist salary in San Diego is $117,658 per year as of April 2026 — $9,805/month, $2,263/week, or about $57/hour. Salaries range from $88,500 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $153,400 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for San Diego's cost-of-living multiplier (1.18×).
Is $117,658 a good Physical Therapist salary in San Diego?
Livable middle-class. Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline. San Diego's cost-of-living index is 161 (vs 100 nationally), giving $117,658 a real purchasing power of approximately $73,080 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $117,658 in San Diego?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For San Diego specifically (median home price $850,000), a $117,658 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Is $117,658 enough for a single person in San Diego?
A single adult in San Diego typically needs ~$72,450 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $117,658 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $117,658 enough for a couple in San Diego?
A couple (one earner) in San Diego typically needs ~$115,920 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $117,658 salary as the sole household income is sufficient — enabling moderate housing, savings, and discretionary spending. Two earners at $117,658 each ($235,316 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $117,658 enough for a family of 4 in San Diego?
A family of 4 (one earner) in San Diego typically needs ~$177,100 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $117,658 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of San Diego. Childcare costs in San Diego typically run $24K-$45K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Physical Therapist in San Diego?
On a $117,658 Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA, you take home approximately $84,599.213 per year ($7,050/month, $3,254 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $17,586.76, state $6,471.19, FICA $9,000.837. Effective tax rate: 28.1%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Physical Therapists in San Diego earn compared to the US average?
Physical Therapists in San Diego earn approximately 18% more than the US national median for this role ($99,710 nationally vs $117,658 in San Diego). However, San Diego's cost-of-living index of 161 means real purchasing power is approximately $73,080 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Physical Therapist earn in San Diego?
Entry-level Physical Therapists in San Diego typically start at around $92,040 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Physical Therapists earn $135,700 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $153,400+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in San Diego increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in San Diego grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $17,827 in 2025 to $117,658 in 2026 (+$99,831). This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's compensation trend, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in San Diego?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. San Diego's top industries include Defense, Biotech, Tech, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 4.4% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Physical Therapists are: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in San Diego.
Who are the top employers hiring Physical Therapists in San Diego?
Top employers hiring Physical Therapists in or near San Diego include: Hospital systems, Outpatient clinics, Sports medicine practices, Home health agencies, Schools. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Physical Therapist salary in San Diego?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Key leverage points for Healthcare negotiations: Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums; Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units; Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%).
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in San Diego?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., DPT or OCS (Orthopedic Specialist)). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Physical Therapist in San Diego?
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the typical path. However, San Diego's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Healthcare roles.

Methodology & Sources

Physical Therapist salary figures for San Diego are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($99,710) by San Diego's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.18× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in San Diego

Occupational Therapist →Registered Nurse →Pharmacist →Physician →Nurse Practitioner →Dentist →

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Cities

Los Angeles, CA$128KAustin, TX$115KSan Francisco, CA$155KFresno, CA$95KSacramento, CA$108KLong Beach, CA$120KOakland, CA$140K

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