Sacramento vs Santa Ana: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Sacramento, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,591 | $89,427▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.64 | $42.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,747▲ | $57,528 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,982▲ | $74,266 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,272 | $104,889▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,719 | $120,923▲ |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Santa Ana, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Santa Ana is $2,836 (3.28%). Santa Ana's median is +27.30% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $39,972,Santa Ana spans $63,395. Santa Ana has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($81,177 effective) pays 2.67% more than Santa Ana ($79,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,177)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,427/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,923)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Sacramento grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$75,760 (2019) → $84,290 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$93,470 (2024) → $87,051 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Sacramento or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Santa Ana as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Sacramento vs Santa Ana?
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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