San Diego vs San Francisco: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,651 | $145,473▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.09 | $69.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,407 | $106,415▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,202 | $126,507▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,153 | $164,725▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,604 | $192,697▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,680 | 3,140▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Francisco is $28,822 (24.71%). 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 San Diego spans $83,197,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, San Francisco ($125,828 effective) pays 20.69% more than San Diego ($104,258 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,828)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in San Diego grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$93,230 (2019) → $113,850 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$106,090 (2019) → $141,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: San Diego or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Francisco as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in San Diego vs San Francisco?
Related Comparisons
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