Physical Therapist Pay

Dublin vs Sacramento: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Dublin, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dublin, CA
$130,117
$62.55/hr
Sacramento, CA
$134,663
$64.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDublin, CASacramento, CA
Median Salary$130,117$134,663
Hourly Rate$62.55$64.74
Entry Level (P10)$97,569$101,681
25th Percentile$105,195$108,843
75th Percentile$151,735$147,112
Top Earner (P90)$167,359$163,168
Total Employed141,610
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dublin ($130,117) and Sacramento ($134,663) physical therapist salaries.DublinSacramentoMedian Salary$130,117$134,663Entry Level (P10)$97,569$101,681Top Earner (P90)$167,359$163,168US Median $105,288

Verdict

Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dublin.

The salary gap between Dublin and Sacramento is $4,546 (3.49%). 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 Dublin spans $69,790,Sacramento spans $61,487. Dublin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dublin
P10 (Entry)$97,569
P25$105,195
Median$130,117
P75$151,735
P90 (Top)$167,359
Sacramento
P10 (Entry)$101,681
P25$108,843
Median$134,663
P75$147,112
P90 (Top)$163,168

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($126,243 effective) pays 9.73% more than Dublin ($115,046 effective).

Dublin
Nominal: $130,117
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $115,046
Sacramento
Nominal: $134,663
CoL Index: 106.67
Adjusted: $126,243

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dublin if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($167,359)
  • 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 Dublin grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Sacramento over the same period.

Dublin, CA

+1.8%

$124,756 (2024) → $126,993 (2025)

Sacramento, CA

+22.4%

$107,420 (2019) → $131,430 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Dublin or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a higher median physical therapist salary at $134,663/year, compared to Dublin at $130,117/year — a difference of $4,546 (3.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dublin and Sacramento?

Dublin physical therapists earn $62.55/hr while Sacramento hygienists earn $64.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dublin to Sacramento as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dublin and Sacramento. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dublin = $115,046, Sacramento = $126,243), job availability (14 vs 1,610 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Dublin vs Sacramento?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $97,569 in Dublin and $101,681 in Sacramento. The Sacramento area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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