Physical Therapist Jobs in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, California$105,300 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Physical Therapist Jobs in Sacramento

Looking for a Physical Therapist job in Sacramento? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Physical Therapist in Sacramento, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Sacramento has a strong job market for Physical Therapists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Physical Therapist Salary in Sacramento

Entry Level
$74,588
Median
$105,300
Senior Level
$141,278

Physical Therapist salaries in Sacramento are 17% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

Purchasing power in Sacramento is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningManual TherapyExercise PrescriptionDocumentation

Physical Therapist Job Market in Sacramento

Sacramento, CA is a major regional employment hub for Physical Therapist professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 525K residents, Sacramento balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Government and Healthcare sectors create robust demand for Physical Therapist talent. The market for Physical Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Physical Therapists in Sacramento

Sutter HealthUC Davis HealthKaiser PermanenteDignity Health

Major employers hiring Physical Therapists in Sacramento include Sutter Health, UC Davis Health, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Sacramento offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Physical Therapists in Sacramento

Living in Sacramento as a Physical Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 117% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Physical Therapist salary, housing is quite affordable at 21% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

117
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Physical Therapist in Sacramento

Sacramento Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Physical Therapists in Sacramento: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Physical Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Physical Therapist earning $105,300 might pay approximately $8,424 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Physical Therapists

The job outlook for Physical Therapists in Sacramento is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Sacramento's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription.

Relocating to Sacramento

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Sacramento, CA?

The average Physical Therapist salary in Sacramento, CA is $105,300 per year. Entry-level Physical Therapists typically start around $74,588, while experienced professionals can earn $141,278 or more. The national average for Physical Therapist roles is $90,000.

How many Physical Therapist jobs are available in Sacramento?

Sacramento has a strong job market with regular openings for Physical Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Physical Therapists include Sutter Health, UC Davis Health, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health. The Government and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Sacramento a good city for Physical Therapists?

Sacramento is an very good choice for Physical Therapists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's government industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Physical Therapists in Sacramento?

Top skills for Physical Therapists in Sacramento include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Documentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Physical Therapists in Sacramento?

Sacramento's cost of living is above the national average (117% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Sacramento is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Physical Therapists in Sacramento?

Sacramento Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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