El Centro vs Los Angeles: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between El Centro, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Centro, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,827▲ | $110,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.60▲ | $53.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,628 | $87,685▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,105▲ | $100,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,680▲ | $137,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,870 | $164,008▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 9,750▲ |
Verdict
El Centro and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between El Centro and Los Angeles is $8,996 (8.12%). El Centro's median is +13.81% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Centro spans $69,242,Los Angeles spans $76,323. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, El Centro ($125,903 effective) pays 29.01% more than Los Angeles ($97,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Centro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,827/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,903)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,008)
- ✓Larger job market (9,750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in El Centro grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
El Centro, CA
$89,310 (2019) → $116,950 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$99,850 (2019) → $108,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Centro, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: El Centro or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Centro and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from El Centro to Los Angeles as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in El Centro vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov