In San Francisco, CA, Physical Therapists earn a median of $131,050 a year — about 30% above the U.S. median of $100,440. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #4.
What that pay is worth in San Francisco
Local prices run 116 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $129,720 salary buys less than it looks — about $112,202 in national-average buying power.
Can Physical Therapists afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 — 10.6 times the average Physical Therapist salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,419/mo takes roughly 22% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Physical Therapist pay ladder in San Francisco
Entry-level (10th percentile) Physical Therapists earn about $93,760; the top 10% reach $162,540 — a $68,780 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Physical Therapist job market in San Francisco
San Francisco employs roughly 2,920 Physical Therapists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Francisco with other cities
See the full Physical Therapist salary by city ranking to weigh San Francisco against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Physical Therapists make in San Francisco?
The average Physical Therapist in San Francisco, CA earns about $129,720 per year, 29.2% above the national average of $100,440.
What is the take-home pay for Physical Therapists in San Francisco after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $129,720 salary is worth about $91,942 a year - roughly $7,661 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 29%.
What do the highest-paid Physical Therapists earn in San Francisco?
The top 10% of Physical Therapists in San Francisco earn about $162,540 a year, versus about $93,760 for the bottom 10%.
Can Physical Therapists afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 - roughly 10.6x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.