Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Atlanta, GA vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Atlanta, GA and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$75,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$69,444 vs $56,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$60,644 vs $47,310
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $75,000 | $105,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,750 | $80,850▲ | -$23,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,000 | $134,400▲ | -$38,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,000 | $168,000▲ | -$48,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 186 | -78 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49%▲ | 9.3% | -3.8100000000000005% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $69,444▲ | $56,452 | +$12,992 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,495 | $87,997▲ | -$22,502 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $60,644▲ | $47,310 | +$13,334 |
| Total Employment | 45,000 | 78,000 | -33,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $30,000 more (median: $75,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 186), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($69,444 vs $56,452 equivalent). Atlanta, GA has the lower state tax rate (5.49% vs 9.3%).
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.