Lake Elsinore vs Sacramento: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Lake Elsinore, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Elsinore, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,728▲ | $166,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.60▲ | $80.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $119,867▲ | $74,845 |
| 25th Percentile | $146,257▲ | $129,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,801▲ | $188,022 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $244,155▲ | $232,883 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,070▲ |
Verdict
Lake Elsinore, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Lake Elsinore and Sacramento is $2,897 (1.74%). Lake Elsinore's median is +20.90% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Elsinore spans $124,288,Sacramento spans $158,038. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($156,399 effective) pays 4.22% more than Lake Elsinore ($150,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Elsinore if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,728/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($244,155)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,399)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Lake Elsinore grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Lake Elsinore, CA
$174,767 (2024) → $164,274 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$122,810 (2019) → $161,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Elsinore, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Lake Elsinore or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Elsinore and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Lake Elsinore to Sacramento as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Lake Elsinore vs Sacramento?
Related Comparisons
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