Average Physical Therapists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Physical Therapists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $136,300, significantly exceeding the national average of $102,240. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's high demand for specialized healthcare services and the overall economic strength of the Bay Area, which supports higher wage structures across many professions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $136,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,980.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 3,170 Physical Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not overly saturated, job market. The presence of 1.317 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent demand for skilled physical therapy services within this dynamic region.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+33.3%above the national average.
$65.5
$2,621
$11,358
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Physical Therapist salaries in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in therapeutic techniques, and ongoing demand in a high-cost-of-living area typically contribute to upward salary adjustments for healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Career progression for Physical Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range suggests that early-career professionals might earn closer to the lower end, while seasoned therapists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $103,160 | $49.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $102,225 | $49.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $136,200 | $65.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $170,375 | $81.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $168,980 | $81.2 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$136,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$136,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $136,300 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the national average due to the localized cost of goods and services. Therefore, the higher salary is necessary to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
3,170
Total Jobs
1.317
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.82x the national average concentration of Physical Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates that Physical Therapists are slightly less concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not oversaturated with professionals, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals. The job market appears balanced, with a steady need for physical therapy services without an overwhelming surplus of practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $127,130↓ 7% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $125,610↓ 8% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $143,000↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $131,020↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Physical Therapists Salary | $123,450↓ 9% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $136,300. This typically ranges from $103,160 for entry-level positions to $168,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 33.3% higher than the national median of $102,240.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physical Therapists.Physical Therapists in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index that matches the national average, the high nominal salary translates to strong purchasing power.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($127,130) and Napa, CA.
How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont salary compare to the national average?
Physical Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont earn an average of $136,300 annually, which is approximately 33% higher than the national average of $102,240.
What is the job market like for Physical Therapists in this area?
The job market appears stable with a concentration slightly below the national average (LQ of 0.82), indicating consistent demand without oversupply. There are approximately 1.317 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Does the high salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont mean a higher standard of living?
While the nominal salary is high, the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average). This means the purchasing power of the $136,300 salary is equivalent to the national average, not necessarily a higher standard of living.
How many Physical Therapists work in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
The total local workforce for Physical Therapists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area is approximately 3,170 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,170 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 1.317 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA