Sacramento vs Santee: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Santee, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Santee, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,663▲ | $129,476 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.74▲ | $62.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,681▲ | $96,043 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,843▲ | $106,726 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,112 | $153,038▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,168 | $165,229▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santee.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Santee is $5,187 (4.01%). 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,Santee spans $69,186. Santee 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 10.28% more than Santee ($114,479 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 Santee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,229)
- ✓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 Santee over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$107,420 (2019) → $131,430 (2025)
Santee, CA
$124,141 (2024) → $126,367 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Santee, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Sacramento or Santee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Santee?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Santee as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Sacramento vs Santee?
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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