In San Diego, CA, Physical Therapists earn a median of $105,480 a year — about 5% above the U.S. median of $100,440. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #10.
What that pay is worth in San Diego
Local prices run 112 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $111,500 salary buys less than it looks — about $99,654 in national-average buying power.
Can Physical Therapists afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 — 7.6 times the average Physical Therapist salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,223/mo takes roughly 24% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Physical Therapist pay ladder in San Diego
Entry-level (10th percentile) Physical Therapists earn about $78,390; the top 10% reach $147,330 — a $68,940 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Physical Therapist job market in San Diego
San Diego employs roughly 2,340 Physical Therapists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Diego with other cities
See the full Physical Therapist salary by city ranking to weigh San Diego against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Physical Therapists make in San Diego?
The average Physical Therapist in San Diego, CA earns about $111,500 per year, 11.0% above the national average of $100,440.
What is the take-home pay for Physical Therapists in San Diego after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $111,500 salary is worth about $80,977 a year - roughly $6,748 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 27%.
What do the highest-paid Physical Therapists earn in San Diego?
The top 10% of Physical Therapists in San Diego earn about $147,330 a year, versus about $78,390 for the bottom 10%.
Can Physical Therapists afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 - roughly 7.6x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.