HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$159,978/yr
Typical range: $139,889 – $201,302
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Physical Therapist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Physical Therapist Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $117,466 | $9,789 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $144,316 | $12,026 | +23% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,978 | $13,332 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $177,206 | $14,767 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,796 | $17,900 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $247,015 | $20,585 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $255,070 | $21,256 | +117% |
Current Salary
$159,978
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$177,206
Senior · 6
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
58/100
Moderate
+17% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Physical Therapists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $160K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Physical Therapist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $160K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Physical Therapist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Physical Therapist in San Francisco, CA earns $201K–$237K/yr.