Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median physical therapist salary in San Francisco, CA is $185,668 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$185,668
vs State Avg
+$42,997
vs National
+$87,948
Cost of Living
182%

Physical Therapist Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median physical therapist salary of $185,668, which is $42,997 above the California state average of $142,671. Compared to the national median of $97,720, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $185,668 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $102,015. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in San Francisco spans from $126,920 at the 10th percentile to $247,380 at the 90th percentile — a $120,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $129,200, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $243,200. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $129,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $243,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$129,200
+$61,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$186,200
+$88,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$243,200
+$115,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $126,920
25th Percentile $152,380
Median (50th) $185,668
75th Percentile $221,160
90th Percentile $247,380

Physical Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$171,987
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$150,489
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$146,580
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$123,127
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Physical Therapist in San Francisco

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open physical therapist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Physical Therapist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in San Francisco, California is $185,668 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $126,920 (10th percentile) to $247,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $185,668, a physical therapist in San Francisco earns approximately $89 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median physical therapist salary of $185,668 is 30.1% above the California state average of $142,671. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $185,668 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in San Francisco? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in San Francisco require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.