Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco, CA
Median pay, San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland)
$141,980/year
about $68.26 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $123,470 – $160,770
Half of physical therapists in the San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland) area earn more than $141,980 a year and half earn less. That's 38% higher than the national median of $102,760, and ranks #1 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $103,860 | $49.93 |
| 25th | $123,470 | $59.36 |
| Median (50th) | $141,980 | $68.26 |
| 75th | $160,770 | $77.29 |
| 90th (top earners) | $188,070 | $90.42 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a physical therapist job in the San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland) area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $123,470 ($59.36/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $123,470 to $160,770 ($59.36 to $77.29/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $160,770 ($77.29/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Productivity targets (patients per day or visits per week) vary a lot. Ask for the exact number.
- Home health and travel PT roles often pay more than outpatient clinics.
- Some employers offer student loan repayment, which can be worth more than a small raise.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland). Occupation: Physical Therapists (SOC 29-1123). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.