Sacramento vs Tracy: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Sacramento, CA and Tracy, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Tracy, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,591▲ | $81,998 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.64▲ | $39.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,747▲ | $58,388 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,982▲ | $71,965 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,272▲ | $96,109 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,719 | $106,254▲ |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tracy.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Tracy is $4,593 (5.60%). 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 Sacramento spans $39,972,Tracy spans $47,866. Tracy 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 11.97% more than Tracy ($72,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Tracy if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,254)
- ✓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 Tracy over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$75,760 (2019) → $84,290 (2025)
Tracy, CA
$85,704 (2024) → $79,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Sacramento or Tracy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Tracy?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Tracy as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Sacramento vs Tracy?
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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