Lake Forest vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lake Forest, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,867 | $84,382▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.84 | $40.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,046 | $61,340▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,949 | $79,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,220▲ | $92,395 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,316▲ | $103,819 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 3,730▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Forest.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and Los Angeles is $1,515 (1.83%). 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 Lake Forest spans $49,270,Los Angeles spans $42,479. Lake Forest 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 1.41% more than Lake Forest ($73,269 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Forest if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,316)
- ✓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 Lake Forest grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$86,613 (2024) → $80,665 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lake Forest or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to Los Angeles as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lake Forest vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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