Apple Valley vs Sacramento: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Apple Valley, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,849 | $86,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.31 | $41.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,971 | $65,747▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,820 | $77,982▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,477 | $98,272▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,043▲ | $105,719 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Sacramento is $2,742 (3.27%). 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 Apple Valley spans $51,072,Sacramento spans $39,972. Apple Valley 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 9.50% more than Apple Valley ($74,137 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,043)
- ✓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 Apple Valley grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Apple Valley, CA
$87,640 (2024) → $81,621 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$75,760 (2019) → $84,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Apple Valley or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Sacramento as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Apple Valley 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