Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Physical Therapist Salary in San Jose, California

The median physical therapist salary in San Jose, CA is $171,987 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$171,987
vs State Avg
+$29,316
vs National
+$74,267
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median physical therapist salary of $171,987, which is $29,316 above the California state average of $142,671. Compared to the national median of $97,720, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $171,987 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $102,373. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in San Jose spans from $117,568 at the 10th percentile to $229,152 at the 90th percentile — a $111,584 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $119,680, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $225,280. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $119,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $225,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$119,680
+$51,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$172,480
+$74,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$225,280
+$97,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $117,568
25th Percentile $141,152
Median (50th) $171,987
75th Percentile $204,864
90th Percentile $229,152

Physical Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$185,668
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. San Jose 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 Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open physical therapist positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Physical Therapist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in San Jose, California is $171,987 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $117,568 (10th percentile) to $229,152 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $171,987, a physical therapist in San Jose earns approximately $83 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
San Jose's median physical therapist salary of $171,987 is 20.5% above the California state average of $142,671. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $171,987 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in San Jose 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.