Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Physical Therapists in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $123,200 | $93,600 | $160,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $153,200 | $116,400 | $199,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $176,100 | $133,800 | $228,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $211,300 | $160,500 | $274,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $239,400 | $181,900 | $311,300 |
Highest-paying metros for Physical Therapists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Physical Therapist salary in the San Francisco metro is $176,100 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $133,800 to $228,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $290,600 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +16% relative to the California state median for Physical Therapists. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Francisco vs. national: +57%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Physical Therapists — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Physical Therapist salary of $176,100 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Physical Therapists in San Francisco start around $123,200, while seniors (10+ years) reach $211,300 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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