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Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for San Francisco's cost of living (index: 214). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco β€” Key Numbers

$213,379
Median Salary
$174,089
25th Percentile
$254,253
75th Percentile
$297,353
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median+114.0%
San Francisco median household income$131,000
vs. City household income+62.9%

Cost of Living in San Francisco

Cost of Living Index
214(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$3,498/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio19.7%
Annual rent cost$41,976
Median Home Price$1,350,000
Home Price / Salary6.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$270,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.3 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 San Francisco

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
4,740,000
Metro Population
34 min
Avg Commute
38.3
Median Age

San Francisco has a metro population of 4,740,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in San Francisco, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in San Francisco is $213,379 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by San Francisco's cost of living index (214). The typical salary range runs from $174,089 (25th percentile) to $254,253 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $297,353.

Is San Francisco affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $213,379 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in San Francisco would spend approximately 19.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($3,498/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making San Francisco relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $1,350,000 is 6.3Γ— the annual salary.

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

San Francisco's median household income is $131,000. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $213,379 earns 62.9% more than the typical San Francisco 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.