Physical Therapist salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$113,850/year
about $54.74 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $96,820 – $133,860
Half of physical therapists in the San Diego metro area earn more than $113,850 a year and half earn less. That's 11% higher than the national median of $102,760, and ranks #5 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $77,500 | $37.26 |
| 25th | $96,820 | $46.55 |
| Median (50th) | $113,850 | $54.74 |
| 75th | $133,860 | $64.36 |
| 90th (top earners) | $158,700 | $76.30 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a physical therapist job in the San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $96,820 ($46.55/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $96,820 to $133,860 ($46.55 to $64.36/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $133,860 ($64.36/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Productivity targets (patients per day or visits per week) vary a lot. Ask for the exact number.
- Home health and travel PT roles often pay more than outpatient clinics.
- Some employers offer student loan repayment, which can be worth more than a small raise.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, San Diego metro. Occupation: Physical Therapists (SOC 29-1123). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.