San Diego vs Thousand Oaks: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between San Diego, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Thousand Oaks, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,643▲ | $159,252 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.05▲ | $76.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,394 | $119,996▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $140,226 | $143,249▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $211,723▲ | $196,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,694 | $230,498▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,370▲ | 32 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thousand Oaks.
The salary gap between San Diego and Thousand Oaks is $11,391 (7.15%). San Diego's median is +21.55% 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,Thousand Oaks spans $110,502. Thousand Oaks 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 Diego ($152,514 effective) pays 8.31% more than Thousand Oaks ($140,806 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($170,643/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,514)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Thousand Oaks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($230,498)
- ✓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 -12.6% growth in Thousand Oaks over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$118,750 (2019) → $165,160 (2025)
Thousand Oaks, CA
$176,343 (2024) → $154,135 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: San Diego or Thousand Oaks?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Thousand Oaks?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Thousand Oaks as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in San Diego vs Thousand Oaks?
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