San Francisco vs Sacramento: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between San Francisco, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,539▲ | $86,591 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.38▲ | $41.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,418▲ | $65,747 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,023▲ | $77,982 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,076▲ | $98,272 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,040▲ | $105,719 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 570 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Sacramento is $11,948 (13.80%). San Francisco's median is +40.28% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $51,622,Sacramento spans $39,972. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($85,232 effective) pays 5.00% more than Sacramento ($81,177 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,539/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,040)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,232)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in San Francisco grew 43.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$67,030 (2019) → $95,920 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$75,760 (2019) → $84,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: San Francisco or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Sacramento as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in San Francisco vs Sacramento?
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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