San Francisco vs Simi Valley: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Simi Valley, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Simi Valley, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,473▲ | $132,839 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.94▲ | $63.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,415▲ | $97,673 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,507▲ | $109,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,725▲ | $159,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,697▲ | $179,069 |
| Total Employed | 3,140▲ | 23 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Simi Valley.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Simi Valley is $12,634 (9.51%). 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 Francisco spans $86,282,Simi Valley spans $81,396. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($125,828 effective) pays 7.13% more than Simi Valley ($117,453 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Simi Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in San Francisco grew 33.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.8% growth in Simi Valley over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$106,090 (2019) → $141,980 (2025)
Simi Valley, CA
$127,366 (2024) → $129,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Simi Valley, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: San Francisco or Simi Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Simi Valley?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Simi Valley as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in San Francisco vs Simi Valley?
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