90% OFF - $9.99
11:59:59
Claim Lifetime Deal
2026 Salary Data — San Francisco, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco: $155K Median

Physical Therapists in San Francisco, CA earn between $116K and $202K per year.

That's +55% above the US national median of $99,710 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco, CA is $154,551 per year — +55% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $116,250 (entry, 25th percentile) to $201,500 (90th percentile). Physical Therapists in San Francisco earned approximately $23,417 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$154,551
+560.0% YoY · $12,879/mo
Entry
$120,900
0–2 years
Experienced
$178,250
5+ years
Top 10%
$201,500
Senior/lead
Physical Therapist Salary — San Francisco vs Nearby
San Francisco
$155K
Los Angeles
$128K
+21% vs San Francisco
San Diego
$118K
+31% vs San Francisco
Fresno
$95K
+63% vs San Francisco

Free ATS scan · San Francisco employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Physical Therapists in San Francisco

Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.

Core Responsibilities

  • Patient evaluation
  • Treatment planning
  • Manual therapy
  • Exercise prescription
  • Documentation

Education & Certifications

Typical path: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

In-demand certifications

DPTOCS (Orthopedic Specialist)SCS (Sports)NCS (Neurologic)

San Francisco Job Market

Global tech capital with highest tech salaries in the US, especially AI/ML.

Population
873K
Cost of Living
244
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
Median Home
$1300K

Top Industries in San Francisco

Tech (FAANG, AI)FinanceBiotechTourism

Top Employers Hiring Physical Therapists

Major employers active in San Francisco or hiring remotely from this metro.

Hospital systems
Outpatient clinics
Sports medicine practices
Home health agencies
Schools

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Physical Therapist listings.

Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Career Outlook
+14% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population.

Physical Therapist Salary Breakdown — San Francisco

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$116,250$154,551$201,500
Monthly$9,688$12,879$16,792
Weekly$2,236$2,972$3,875
Hourly$56$74$97

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($99,710) adjusted for San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier (1.55×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay in San Francisco

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$107,792.304
Per month$8,983
Biweekly paycheck$4,146
Effective tax rate30.3%

Tax Breakdown on $154,551

Gross salary$154,551
Federal income tax−$26,435.24
California state tax−$8,500.305
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$11,823.152
Take-home (net)$107,792.304

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — San Francisco

Career-stage progression for Physical Therapists in San Francisco.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$111,228
2–3 yr$120,900
4–6 yr$149,575
7–10 yr$178,250
11–15 yr$210,335
15+ yr$189,875

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for San Francisco's 1.55× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+560.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$23,417
2026 median:$154,551
Change:+$131,134

Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Telehealth PT and Sports medicine.

Is This A Good Salary?

Livable middle-class

Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,341
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco

Walk-away anchor: $140,501 (offers below this are below market for San Francisco).

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

What To Say

"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"

Anchor on $178K–$202K for experienced roles, citing San Francisco market data and your specific Telehealth PT/Sports medicine expertise.

Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — San Francisco

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco, CA?
The average Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco is $154,551 per year as of April 2026 — $12,879/month, $2,972/week, or about $74/hour. Salaries range from $116,250 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $201,500 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier (1.55×).
Is $154,551 a good Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco?
Livable middle-class. Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline. San Francisco's cost-of-living index is 244 (vs 100 nationally), giving $154,551 a real purchasing power of approximately $63,341 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $154,551 in San Francisco?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For San Francisco specifically (median home price $1,300,000), a $154,551 salary supports a moderate lifestyle with careful budgeting.
Is $154,551 enough for a single person in San Francisco?
A single adult in San Francisco typically needs ~$109,800 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $154,551 salary is above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with reasonable budgeting.
Is $154,551 enough for a couple in San Francisco?
A couple (one earner) in San Francisco typically needs ~$175,680 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $154,551 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most couples at this level need both partners working or significant lifestyle adjustments. Two earners at $154,551 each ($309,102 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $154,551 enough for a family of 4 in San Francisco?
A family of 4 (one earner) in San Francisco typically needs ~$268,400 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $154,551 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of San Francisco. Childcare costs in San Francisco typically run $37K-$68K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Physical Therapist in San Francisco?
On a $154,551 Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco, CA, you take home approximately $107,792.304 per year ($8,983/month, $4,146 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $26,435.24, state $8,500.305, FICA $11,823.152. Effective tax rate: 30.3%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Physical Therapists in San Francisco earn compared to the US average?
Physical Therapists in San Francisco earn approximately 55% more than the US national median for this role ($99,710 nationally vs $154,551 in San Francisco). However, San Francisco's cost-of-living index of 244 means real purchasing power is approximately $63,341 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Physical Therapist earn in San Francisco?
Entry-level Physical Therapists in San Francisco typically start at around $120,900 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Physical Therapists earn $178,250 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $201,500+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in San Francisco increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in San Francisco grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $23,417 in 2025 to $154,551 in 2026 (+$131,134). This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's compensation trend, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in San Francisco?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. San Francisco's top industries include Tech (FAANG, AI), Finance, Biotech, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 4.5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Physical Therapists are: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in San Francisco.
Who are the top employers hiring Physical Therapists in San Francisco?
Top employers hiring Physical Therapists in or near San Francisco include: Hospital systems, Outpatient clinics, Sports medicine practices, Home health agencies, Schools. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Key leverage points for Healthcare negotiations: Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums; Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units; Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%).
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., DPT or OCS (Orthopedic Specialist)). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Physical Therapist in San Francisco?
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the typical path. However, San Francisco's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Healthcare roles.

Methodology & Sources

Physical Therapist salary figures for San Francisco are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($99,710) by San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.55× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in San Francisco

Occupational Therapist →Registered Nurse →Pharmacist →Physician →Nurse Practitioner →Dentist →

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Cities

Los Angeles, CA$128KSan Diego, CA$118KFresno, CA$95KSacramento, CA$108KLong Beach, CA$120KOakland, CA$140K

Land a $155K+ Physical Therapist Role in San Francisco

Knowing the salary is step one. Step two: getting past the ATS. CVCraft scans your resume, finds missing keywords, and fixes formatting issues in 60 seconds.

Scan My Resume Free

No signup required · Works for all Healthcare roles