Los Angeles vs Santa Ana: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,265 | $180,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.41 | $86.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,876 | $121,723▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $139,017 | $152,135▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $211,775 | $221,957▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,903 | $261,220▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,890▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Santa Ana, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Ana is $13,121 (7.84%). Santa Ana's median is +28.49% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $125,027,Santa Ana spans $139,497. Santa Ana 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, Santa Ana ($159,492 effective) pays 8.29% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($180,386/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($261,220)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,492)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Los Angeles grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.0% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$123,630 (2019) → $161,890 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$185,742 (2024) → $174,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Ana as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Ana?
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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