HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Physical Therapist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$214,796/yr
Typical range: $201,302 – $237,215
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,978 | $13,332 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $177,206 | $14,767 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$214,796
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$247,015
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
58/100
Moderate
+17% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Physical Therapist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Physical Therapists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $215K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Physical Therapist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $215K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.