Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego, CA
Physical Therapist salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026
The median Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $144,000 per year ($12,000/month, $69/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.
Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay in San Diego
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $144,000 |
| Federal Tax | -$23,807 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$13,392 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$11,016 |
| Annual Take-Home | $95,785 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,982 |
Living Cost Comparison
Physical Therapist Requirements
Key Skills
San Diego Job Market Overview
San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA?
How much does a Physical Therapist take home in San Diego after taxes?
Is San Diego a good city for Physical Therapists?
What skills are needed for a Physical Therapist in San Diego?
How does Physical Therapist salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $144,000 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Physical Therapists earn around $118,400, while senior-level professionals can earn $187,200 or more.
How much does a Physical Therapist take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $144,000 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $95,785 per year ($7,982/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 33.5%.
Is San Diego a good city for Physical Therapists?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Physical Therapists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a Physical Therapist in San Diego?
Key skills for Physical Therapists include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Gait Analysis, Pain Management, Rehabilitation. Typical education requirement is Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Valuable certifications include NPTE, State Licensure, OCS Certification.
How does Physical Therapist salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Physical Therapist salary is $90,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $144,000, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.