Physician Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA
Physician Assistant 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.
Physician Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026
The median Physician Assistant salary in San Diego, CA is $196,800 per year ($16,400/month, $95/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.
Physician Assistant Take-Home Pay in San Diego
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $196,800 |
| Federal Tax | -$36,479 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$18,302 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$13,772 |
| Annual Take-Home | $128,247 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $10,687 |
Living Cost Comparison
Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistant salary in San Diego, CA?
How much does a Physician Assistant take home in San Diego after taxes?
Is San Diego a good city for Physician Assistants?
What skills are needed for a Physician Assistant in San Diego?
How does Physician Assistant salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician Assistant salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Physician Assistant salary in San Diego, CA is $196,800 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Physician Assistants earn around $147,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $251,200 or more.
How much does a Physician Assistant take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Physician Assistant earning the median salary of $196,800 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $128,247 per year ($10,687/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.8%.
Is San Diego a good city for Physician Assistants?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Physician Assistants 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 Physician Assistant in San Diego?
Key skills for Physician Assistants include Clinical Examination, Diagnosis, Procedure Assistance, EHR, Patient Education. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include PANCE, NCCPA Certification.
How does Physician Assistant salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Physician Assistant salary is $123,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $196,800, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.