Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in West Sacramento, CA: $83,094 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in West Sacramento, CA earns a median $83,094/year (≈ $39.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in West Sacramento's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in West Sacramento is projected to reach $83,094 annually, significantly higher than the national median of $70,247, representing a strong 18.29% increase. The salary range in this market can vary greatly, with entry-level positions earning as little as $60,573 and more experienced practitioners making up to $110,067. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, reflect the evolving landscape of physical therapy employment. Factors such as changes in reimbursement structures, particularly following the 15% Medicare cut to outpatient and skilled nursing facility environments, have substantially influenced pay levels in these sectors in West Sacramento, CA.
About the West Sacramento Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,573 | $29.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,236 | $35.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,094 | $39.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,755 | $46.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,067 | $52.92 |
Median Salary Position
18.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Sacramento
In West Sacramento, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,494 (2026 est.). At $83,094, the local median is 18.29% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Sacramento: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Sacramento Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
West Sacramento median: $83,094/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Sacramento Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,445 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +18.29% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in West Sacramento, CA earn a median of $83,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.29% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.60% below the California state average of $84,445.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Sacramento has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Sacramento, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,094 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,469 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,542
2025 BLS Actual
$80,886
2026 Current Est.
$83,094
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in West Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,701 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,094 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,363 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Sacramento metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $69,542 (2019) to $80,886 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,363 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,821 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Sacramento metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,573 – $74,236 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,236 – $83,094 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,094 – $96,755 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,755 – $110,067 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in West Sacramento
The local job market currently employs nine physical therapist assistants, which creates a niche but competitive environment. With a cost of living index of 113.1, the financial realities of West Sacramento suggest that while salaries may be comparatively high, purchasing power can be strained. For those seeking to maximize income, outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the most lucrative positions, compared to skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, which have seen a squeeze on pay following recent policy changes. The disparity between low and high salaries is driven by setting differences, productivity expectations, and the need for consistent supervision under Medicare regulations. PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways might also become key for long-term career growth, allowing for exploration of higher-paying roles in rehabilitation settings.
More salary data for West Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in West Sacramento, CA in 2026?
Is West Sacramento, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in West Sacramento?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in West Sacramento?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in West 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $80,886 for physical therapist assistantsin the West Sacramento metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for West Sacramento is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov