Sacramento vs San Clemente: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Clemente, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Clemente, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,663▲ | $127,867 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.74▲ | $61.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,681▲ | $92,133 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,843▲ | $108,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,112 | $154,168▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,168 | $172,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Clemente.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Clemente is $6,796 (5.31%). Sacramento's median is +27.90% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $61,487,San Clemente spans $80,270. San Clemente has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($126,243 effective) pays 11.66% more than San Clemente ($113,057 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 ($134,663/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,243)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Clemente if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,403)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Sacramento grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.8% growth in San Clemente over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$107,420 (2019) → $131,430 (2025)
San Clemente, CA
$122,598 (2024) → $124,797 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Clemente, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Sacramento or San Clemente?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Clemente?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Clemente as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Sacramento vs San Clemente?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov