Sacramento vs San Jose: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,663 | $142,419▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.74 | $68.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,681 | $106,558▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,843 | $126,159▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,112 | $169,233▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,168 | $175,780▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610▲ | 1,460 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Jose is $7,756 (5.76%). San Jose's median is +35.27% 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 Jose spans $69,222. San Jose 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, San Jose ($128,976 effective) pays 2.17% more than Sacramento ($126,243 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 (1,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,419/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,780)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,976)
- ✓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 38.2% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$107,420 (2019) → $131,430 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$100,560 (2019) → $139,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Sacramento or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Jose as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Sacramento vs San Jose?
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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