Apple Valley vs Sacramento: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Apple Valley, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,734 | $134,663▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.41 | $64.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,955 | $101,681▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,858▲ | $108,843 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,079▲ | $147,112 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,845▲ | $163,168 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 1,610▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Sacramento is $6,929 (5.42%). 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 Apple Valley spans $71,890,Sacramento spans $61,487. Apple Valley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($126,243 effective) pays 11.78% more than Apple Valley ($112,939 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,845)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Apple Valley grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Apple Valley, CA
$122,471 (2024) → $124,667 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$107,420 (2019) → $131,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Apple Valley or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Sacramento as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Apple Valley vs Sacramento?
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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