Escondido vs Los Angeles: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Escondido, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Escondido, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,853▲ | $167,265 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.55▲ | $80.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $126,082▲ | $102,876 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,318▲ | $139,017 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,412▲ | $211,775 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $245,714▲ | $227,903 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 3,890▲ |
Verdict
Escondido, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Escondido and Los Angeles is $8,588 (5.13%). Escondido's median is +25.26% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Escondido spans $119,632,Los Angeles spans $125,027. Los Angeles 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, Escondido ($155,485 effective) pays 5.57% more than Los Angeles ($147,284 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Escondido if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($245,714)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,485)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Escondido grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Escondido, CA
$181,074 (2024) → $170,202 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$123,630 (2019) → $161,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Escondido, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Escondido or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Escondido and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Escondido to Los Angeles as a physician assistant?
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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