Los Angeles vs Salinas: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Salinas, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,382 | $87,166▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.57 | $41.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,340 | $66,096▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,739▲ | $77,191 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,395 | $101,127▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,819 | $104,620▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Salinas, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Salinas is $2,784 (3.30%). Salinas's median is +24.09% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $42,479,Salinas spans $38,524. Los Angeles 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, Salinas ($79,938 effective) pays 7.59% more than Los Angeles ($74,302 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Salinas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,166/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,620)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,938)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Los Angeles grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Salinas over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$71,690 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
Salinas, CA
$69,790 (2019) → $84,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Salinas, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Los Angeles or Salinas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Salinas?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Salinas as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Los Angeles vs Salinas?
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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