Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Physician Assistant Salary in Sacramento, California

The median physician assistant salary in Sacramento, CA is $158,773 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$158,773
vs State Avg
$-25,202
vs National
+$32,763
Cost of Living
118%

Physician Assistant Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median physician assistant salary of $158,773, which is $25,202 below the California state average of $183,975. Compared to the national median of $126,010, 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 $158,773 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $134,553. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in Sacramento spans from $105,840 at the 10th percentile to $219,240 at the 90th percentile — a $113,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $110,880, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,120. 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.

Physician Assistant Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $110,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$110,880
+$22,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$158,760
+$32,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,120
+$42,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $105,840
25th Percentile $133,560
Median (50th) $158,773
75th Percentile $190,260
90th Percentile $219,240

Physician Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$239,419
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$221,778
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$194,055
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$189,015
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Sacramento

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open physician assistant positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Sacramento, California is $158,773 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $105,840 (10th percentile) to $219,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $158,773, a physician assistant in Sacramento earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Sacramento's median physician assistant salary of $158,773 is 13.7% below the California state average of $183,975. 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 physician assistant salary of $158,773 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Sacramento? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Sacramento require a master's degree. Key skills include Clinical Assessment, Pharmacology, Surgical Assisting, Patient Communication. The job market is projected to grow 28% nationally over the next decade.