Average Physical Therapist Salary Overview in San Diego
The average Physical Therapist salary in San Diego in 2026 is $110,000 per year, or approximately $9,167 per month and $52.88/hour. California charges up to 13.3% state income tax.
San Diego has emerged as a competitive market for Physical Therapists, with strong employer demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services sectors.
| Level | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $81,000 | $6,750 |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | $104,000 | $8,666 |
| Senior (5–9 yrs) | $128,000 | $10,666 |
| Lead / Staff | $146,000 | $12,166 |
| Director / Principal | $167,000 | $13,916 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience in San Diego
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 year (Junior) | $68,200 | $5,683/mo |
| 1–3 years | $88,000 | $7,333/mo |
| 3–5 years | $110,000 | $9,167/mo |
| 5–8 years | $127,599 | $10,633/mo |
| 8–12 years | $140,800 | $11,733/mo |
| 12+ years | $162,800 | $13,566/mo |
How Does San Diego Compare?
| City | Avg Annual Salary | vs. San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego (current) | $110,000 | — |
| Los Angeles | $115,500 | +$5,500 |
| Orange County | $112,200 | +$2,200 |
| Riverside | $96,800 | -$13,200 |
| Tijuana | $66,000 | -$44,000 |
Is $110,000 a Good Salary in San Diego?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly | $9,167 |
| Taxes (~35%) | -$3,208 |
| Take-Home Pay | $5,958 |
| Average 1BR Rent | -$2,800 |
| Remaining After Rent | $3,158 |
California charges up to 13.3% state income tax. With approximately $3,158 per month after rent, a Physical Therapist earning $110,000 in San Diego can maintain a comfortable lifestyle while building savings.
For context on what constitutes a good salary overall: What Is a Good Salary in 2026?
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in San Diego
- Anchor with data. Use the $110,000 San Diego benchmark when negotiating. Tools like Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary can corroborate your range.
- Negotiate total comp. Bonuses, equity, remote flexibility, and PTO all have real dollar value beyond base salary.
- Time it right. Wait until after the verbal offer before discussing compensation — your leverage is highest then.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapist in San Diego?
Entry-level Physical Therapists in San Diego typically earn $81,000 to $87,480 per year depending on the employer and specialization.
How much does a senior Physical Therapist make in San Diego?
Senior Physical Therapists in San Diego earn an average of $128,000, with top performers reaching $147,200 or more.
Is San Diego a good place for Physical Therapists?
Yes — San Diego offers a growing job market for Physical Therapists with competitive pay and a strong quality of life relative to cost of living.
Do Physical Therapists get bonuses in San Diego?
Most Physical Therapists in San Diego receive performance bonuses of 5–18% of base pay, depending on seniority and employer size.
What skills increase Physical Therapist salary in San Diego?
High-demand skills, certifications, and cross-functional leadership are the most reliable drivers of above-average compensation in San Diego’s market.
Salary Data Sources
Data aggregated from multiple sources. For official benchmarks, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For professional salary ranges, see Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary.