San Diego vs San Jose: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between San Diego, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,643 | $231,065▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $82.05 | $111.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,394▲ | $103,568 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,226 | $172,782▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $211,723 | $258,548▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,694 | $296,962▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,370▲ | 1,030 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Jose is $60,422 (35.41%). San Jose's median is +64.59% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $108,300,San Jose spans $193,394. San Jose 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, San Jose ($209,254 effective) pays 37.20% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($231,065/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($296,962)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $209,254)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in San Diego grew 39.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 76.4% growth in San Jose over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$118,750 (2019) → $165,160 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$126,770 (2019) → $223,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: San Diego or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Jose?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Jose as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in San Diego vs San Jose?
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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