Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Physical Therapist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median physical therapist salary in Sacramento, CA is $123,127 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$123,127
vs State Avg
$-19,544
vs National
+$25,407
Cost of Living
118%

Physical Therapist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median physical therapist salary of $123,127, which is $19,544 below the California state average of $142,671. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $123,127 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $104,345. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Sacramento spans from $84,168 at the 10th percentile to $164,052 at the 90th percentile — a $79,884 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,680, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,280. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $85,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,680
+$17,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,480
+$25,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,280
+$33,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $84,168
25th Percentile $101,052
Median (50th) $123,127
75th Percentile $146,664
90th Percentile $164,052

Physical Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$185,668
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$171,987
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$150,489
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$146,580
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Sacramento

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open physical therapist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Sacramento, California is $123,127 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $84,168 (10th percentile) to $164,052 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,127, a physical therapist in Sacramento earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median physical therapist salary of $123,127 is 13.7% below the California state average of $142,671. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $123,127 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Sacramento? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Sacramento require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.