Sacramento vs Sunnyvale: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Sacramento, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,831 | $236,490▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.21 | $113.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,845 | $169,855▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,357 | $206,410▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $188,022 | $290,747▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $232,883 | $340,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sunnyvale, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Sunnyvale is $69,659 (41.75%). Sunnyvale's median is +68.45% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $158,038,Sunnyvale spans $170,389. Sunnyvale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sunnyvale ($209,098 effective) pays 33.70% more than Sacramento ($156,399 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($236,490/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($340,244)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $209,098)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Sacramento grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$122,810 (2019) → $161,470 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$181,215 (2024) → $228,891 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Sacramento or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Sunnyvale as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Sacramento vs Sunnyvale?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov