San Francisco vs Stockton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between San Francisco, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $190,501▲ | $167,492 |
| Hourly Rate | $91.59▲ | $80.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,674 | $125,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $162,202▲ | $140,443 |
| 75th Percentile | $226,488▲ | $209,760 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $245,881▲ | $211,258 |
| Total Employed | 1,830▲ | 150 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Stockton is $23,009 (13.74%). San Francisco's median is +35.69% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $136,207,Stockton spans $85,569. San Francisco 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 Francisco ($164,775 effective) pays 3.38% more than Stockton ($159,381 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($190,501/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($245,881)
- ✓Larger job market (1,830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,775)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in San Francisco grew 45.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.6% growth in Stockton over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$126,660 (2019) → $184,380 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$120,440 (2019) → $162,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: San Francisco or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Stockton?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Stockton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in San Francisco vs Stockton?
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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