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Physical Therapist Salary in Oakland, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Oakland's cost of living (index: 175). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Oakland β€” Key Numbers

$174,493
Median Salary
$142,363
25th Percentile
$207,918
75th Percentile
$243,163
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median+75.0%
Oakland median household income$76,800
vs. City household income+127.2%

Cost of Living in Oakland

Cost of Living Index
175(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,895/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio13.0%
Annual rent cost$22,740
Median Home Price$780,000
Home Price / Salary4.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$156,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Oakland

5.5%
Unemployment Rate
440,000
Metro Population
31 min
Avg Commute
37.5
Median Age

Oakland has a metro population of 440,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.5% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Oakland, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in Oakland is $174,493 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by Oakland's cost of living index (175). The typical salary range runs from $142,363 (25th percentile) to $207,918 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $243,163.

Is Oakland affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $174,493 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in Oakland would spend approximately 13.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,895/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Oakland relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $780,000 is 4.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Physical Therapist's salary compare to Oakland's overall income?

Oakland's median household income is $76,800. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $174,493 earns 127.2% more than the typical Oakland household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.