Carlsbad vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Carlsbad, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carlsbad, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,697 | $84,382▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.24 | $40.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,448 | $61,340▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,946 | $79,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,143▲ | $92,395 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,605▲ | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 3,730▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Carlsbad and Los Angeles is $685 (0.82%). Los Angeles's median is +20.12% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carlsbad spans $53,157,Los Angeles spans $42,479. Carlsbad has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($74,302 effective) pays 0.40% more than Carlsbad ($74,003 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,605)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,382/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,302)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Carlsbad grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Carlsbad, CA
$88,355 (2024) → $81,473 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carlsbad, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Carlsbad or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carlsbad and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Carlsbad to Los Angeles as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Carlsbad vs Los Angeles?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov