Bakersfield vs San Diego: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bakersfield, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $204,646▲ | $170,643 |
| Hourly Rate | $98.39▲ | $82.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,390▲ | $113,394 |
| 25th Percentile | $161,789▲ | $140,226 |
| 75th Percentile | $227,294▲ | $211,723 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,294▲ | $221,694 |
| Total Employed | 350 | 1,370▲ |
Verdict
Bakersfield, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and San Diego is $34,003 (19.93%). Bakersfield's median is +45.77% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $96,904,San Diego spans $108,300. San Diego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bakersfield ($202,849 effective) pays 33.00% more than San Diego ($152,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($204,646/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,294)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $202,849)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bakersfield grew 60.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$123,450 (2019) → $198,070 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$118,750 (2019) → $165,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bakersfield or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bakersfield and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Bakersfield to San Diego as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bakersfield vs San Diego?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov