Physical Therapists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The median pay for a physical therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $136,200/year ($65.48/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $103K at the entry level to $169K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 115.61), so that salary is closer to $117,810 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,604/month — about 44.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $136K get you in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
About physical therapists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Entry-level physical therapists (10th percentile) start around $103K. Mid-career wages sit at $136K.Top earners bring in $169K or more - a $66K spread from bottom to top.
Physical Therapists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $123K | +22% | 24,380 |
| Alaska | $109K | +8% | 600 |
| New Jersey | $106K | +5% | 7,760 |
| Nevada | $105K | +4% | 1,670 |
| Oregon | $104K | +3% | 3,000 |
| Maryland | $104K | +3% | 4,420 |
| Connecticut | $104K | +3% | 4,310 |
| Texas | $104K | +3% | 18,930 |
| Illinois | $103K | +2% | 10,390 |
| Delaware | $103K | +2% | 910 |
| Rhode Island | $103K | +2% | 1,420 |
| Massachusetts | $102K | +1% | 6,600 |
| Washington | $102K | +1% | 5,460 |
| Georgia | $102K | +1% | 5,480 |
| Arizona | $102K | +1% | 4,540 |
Track physical therapists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do physical therapists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median is $136,200 a year - that works out to about $65.48 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $103,160, and experienced physical therapists can clear $168,980. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $136K enough to live in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,920/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,604/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 45.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a physical therapists salary go in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont has a Regional Price Parity of 115.61 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median physical therapists salary is worth about $117,810 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do physical therapists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.