Sacramento vs Sunnyvale: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Sacramento, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,591 | $102,188▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.64 | $49.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,747 | $70,080▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,982 | $87,850▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,272 | $119,835▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,719 | $137,499▲ |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sunnyvale, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Sunnyvale is $15,597 (18.01%). Sunnyvale's median is +45.47% 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,Sunnyvale spans $67,419. Sunnyvale 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, Sunnyvale ($90,352 effective) pays 11.30% 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 Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,188/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,499)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,352)
- ✓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 9.1% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$75,760 (2019) → $84,290 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$91,192 (2024) → $99,472 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Sacramento or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Sunnyvale as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Sacramento vs Sunnyvale?
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