Physical Therapist salary in San Jose, CA
Median pay, San Jose / Silicon Valley metro
$139,000/year
about $66.83 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $123,130 – $165,170
Half of physical therapists in the San Jose / Silicon Valley metro area earn more than $139,000 a year and half earn less. That's 35% higher than the national median of $102,760, and ranks #2 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $104,000 | $50.00 |
| 25th | $123,130 | $59.20 |
| Median (50th) | $139,000 | $66.83 |
| 75th | $165,170 | $79.41 |
| 90th (top earners) | $171,560 | $82.48 |
*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 Jose / Silicon Valley metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $123,130 ($59.20/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $123,130 to $165,170 ($59.20 to $79.41/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $165,170 ($79.41/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 Jose / Silicon Valley metro. Occupation: Physical Therapists (SOC 29-1123). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.