Physical Therapist Salary in San Jose, California
Salary Distribution
BLS 2024Median Physical Therapist in San Jose, CA
Compensation Breakdown
BLS 2024How This Compares
Cost of living in San Jose is 78% above the national average. Salary of $173,942 here is equivalent to $97,720 nationally.
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via FREDFed Funds Rate
Mar 2026
Inflation (CPI)
year-over-year
National Unemployment
Mar 2026
California Unemployment
Dec 2025
Avg Hourly Earnings
all private workers
10yr Treasury
Apr 2026
Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.
Physical Therapist Salaries by City
Compare all US cities →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in San Jose?
The median Physical Therapist salary in San Jose is $173,942 per year, with a range from $129,940 at the 25th percentile to $222,501 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.
How does Physical Therapist pay in San Jose compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist salaries in San Jose are 78% above the national median of $97,720. After adjusting for San Jose's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $97,720 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.
What factors affect Physical Therapist salaries in San Jose?
In San Jose, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level Physical Therapist roles start around $106,551, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $271,451 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.
Is San Jose a good place for Physical Therapist jobs?
San Jose offers a Physical Therapist median of $173,942, which is 78% above the US median of $97,720. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — San Jose is 78% more expensive than the national average, so factor that into your math.
How do I negotiate a higher Physical Therapist salary?
Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for Physical Therapist in San Jose is $222,501, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.