Rancho Cordova vs San Diego: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Rancho Cordova, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rancho Cordova, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,852 | $170,643▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.18 | $82.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,843▲ | $113,394 |
| 25th Percentile | $154,579▲ | $140,226 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,412 | $211,723▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $241,140▲ | $221,694 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 1,370▲ |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rancho Cordova.
The salary gap between Rancho Cordova and San Diego is $1,791 (1.06%). San Diego's median is +21.55% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rancho Cordova spans $123,297,San Diego spans $108,300. Rancho Cordova has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($152,514 effective) pays 2.16% more than Rancho Cordova ($149,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rancho Cordova if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($241,140)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($170,643/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,514)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Rancho Cordova grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Rancho Cordova, CA
$173,864 (2024) → $163,426 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$118,750 (2019) → $165,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rancho Cordova, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Rancho Cordova or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rancho Cordova and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Rancho Cordova to San Diego as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Rancho Cordova vs San Diego?
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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