Costa Mesa vs Sacramento: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,807 | $86,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.77 | $41.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,576 | $65,747▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,222 | $77,982▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,773▲ | $98,272 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,652▲ | $105,719 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Costa Mesa.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and Sacramento is $1,784 (2.10%). Sacramento's median is +23.27% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $56,076,Sacramento spans $39,972. Costa Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($81,177 effective) pays 8.26% more than Costa Mesa ($74,984 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,652)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,591/year)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,177)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Costa Mesa grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$88,640 (2024) → $82,553 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$75,760 (2019) → $84,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Costa Mesa or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to Sacramento as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Costa Mesa vs Sacramento?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov