Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Physician Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on May 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Physician Assistant make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Physician Assistant is $152,370 per year in San Diego, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Physician Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $152,370 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Physician Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $12,698 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Physician Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $2,930 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Physician Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $73 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In San Diego, California, Physician Assistants can expect to earn a competitive salary. On average, a Physician Assistant earns about $152,370 per year. This is a good income that can help cover living costs in one of the nation's most expensive cities.

Salaries for Physician Assistants in San Diego can range from about $110,000 to over $200,000. Most Physician Assistants fall in the middle of this range. Factors like experience, education, and the type of healthcare facility where they work can impact earnings. For those with more experience or in specialized fields, salaries tend to be higher.

Physician Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA
View all Physician Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Physician Assistant near San Diego, CA?

If you are a Physician Assistant near San Diego, California, consider looking at nearby cities for higher pay. National City offers the highest average salary at $156,694. La Mesa also provides a competitive salary at $152,123. Chula Vista follows closely with an average salary of $150,412, making these areas attractive for job seekers. These cities provide a good mix of opportunities and a higher earning potential. La Jolla and Santee also have strong average salaries, though slightly lower than the top three cities. El Cajon rounds out the list with an average salary of $138,453. These numbers show that with the right skills, job seekers can find attractive options close to San Diego.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Physician Assistant jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting National City, CA with the highest at $156,694 and El Cajon, CA with the lowest at $138,453.

  1. National City, CA
    Average Salary: $156,694
    Working in National City, you can expect a welcoming community and diverse patient population. Healthcare facilities here offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in National City, CA


  2. La Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $152,123
    La Mesa provides a peaceful environment with access to high-quality healthcare. Prominent institutions in this area offer excellent benefits and professional development.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  3. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $150,412
    In Chula Vista, you'll find a vibrant healthcare sector with a mix of urban and suburban settings. Opportunities abound in both private practices and large healthcare networks.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Chula Vista, CA


  4. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $145,935
    La Jolla offers a serene and scenic environment. The city is home to top-notch medical facilities and research institutions, providing enriching work experiences.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  5. Santee, CA
    Average Salary: $140,000
    Santee combines a small-town feel with access to major healthcare providers. Working here means you'll benefit from a supportive community and excellent patient care.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Santee, CA


  6. El Cajon, CA
    Average Salary: $138,453
    El Cajon features a mix of urban and rural healthcare needs. The city has reputable hospitals and clinics, offering diverse opportunities for medical professionals.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in El Cajon, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Physician Assistant in San Diego, CA?

Physician assistants in San Diego, CA, can find top-paying jobs at Kaiser Permanente and UC San Diego Health. Kaiser Permanente offers an average salary of $187,678, making it one of the highest paying employers in the region. UC San Diego Health closely follows with an average salary of $177,764, providing competitive compensation for skilled professionals. Other top-tier employers include San Ysidro Health and Vituity, both of which offer attractive compensation packages. San Ysidro Health pays an average of $160,410, while Vituity offers $160,000. These positions present great opportunities for those seeking high-paying roles in the area.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Physician Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting Kaiser Permanente with the highest at $187,678 and Comprehensive Rehab Consultants with the lowest at $129,000.

  1. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $187,678
    Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare provider with locations throughout San Diego. They offer a supportive environment for Physician Assistants to grow their skills. You can find their facilities at various locations across the city, including the Permanente Medical Group in La Jolla and the South Bay Permanente Medical Group in Chula Vista.


  2. UC San Diego Health
    Average Salary: $177,764
    UC San Diego Health is a top-ranked academic medical center known for its innovative healthcare practices. They provide a dynamic work setting for Physician Assistants, offering numerous opportunities for professional development. UC San Diego Health operates multiple campuses in San Diego, including Hillcrest and Sulpicio Medical Pavilion.


  3. UC San Diego
    Average Salary: $167,093
    UC San Diego is a prestigious institution that offers various roles for Physician Assistants. Working here means being part of a research-intensive environment that values education and training. The university’s main campus is in La Jolla, with additional facilities in Downtown San Diego.


  4. San Ysidro Health
    Average Salary: $160,410
    San Ysidro Health is a community health organization that serves underserved populations. They offer competitive salaries and a chance to make a meaningful impact. Their main location is in the South Bay area, with additional facilities in Chula Vista and National City.


  5. Vituity
    Average Salary: $160,000
    Vituity is a physician-led healthcare company that hires Physician Assistants for various settings. They provide excellent benefits and opportunities for career advancement. Vituity operates at multiple hospitals and clinics throughout San Diego County.


  6. Family Health Centers of San Diego
    Average Salary: $155,925
    Family Health Centers of San Diego offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community. They are committed to providing quality care and support to their staff. They have several locations in San Diego, including Downtown, East County, and South Bay.


  7. One Medical
    Average Salary: $153,733
    One Medical is a modern medical practice that offers a patient-centered approach to healthcare. They value their Physician Assistants and provide a supportive work environment. One Medical has various locations in San Diego, including Downtown and North County.


  8. Rady Children's Hospital
    Average Salary: $151,572
    Rady Children's Hospital is a top children's hospital that offers rewarding roles for Physician Assistants. They focus on providing exceptional pediatric care and have multiple locations in San Diego, including Downtown and Hillcrest.


  9. Falck
    Average Salary: $140,700
    Falck is a leading healthcare provider that offers emergency medical services. They provide opportunities for Physician Assistants to work in critical care settings. Falck operates in various locations throughout San Diego County.


  10. Comprehensive Rehab Consultants
    Average Salary: $129,000
    Comprehensive Rehab Consultants is a rehabilitation services company that hires Physician Assistants. They offer a supportive work environment with a focus on patient care. They have several locations in San Diego, including Downtown and North County.

Currently 2,140 Physician Assistant job openings, nationwide.

View Physician Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA

How's the job market for a Physician Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Physician Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Physician Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Physician Assistant
2,140 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire