Chico vs San Francisco: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Chico, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,290 | $145,473▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.49 | $69.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,917 | $106,415▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,798 | $126,507▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,700 | $164,725▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,778 | $192,697▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 3,140▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and San Francisco is $7,183 (5.19%). San Francisco's median is +38.17% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $60,861,San Francisco spans $86,282. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chico ($136,654 effective) pays 8.60% more than San Francisco ($125,828 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,654)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,473/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,697)
- ✓Larger job market (3,140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Chico grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Chico, CA
$110,690 (2019) → $134,970 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$106,090 (2019) → $141,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Chico or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Chico to San Francisco as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Chico vs San Francisco?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov