Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Memphis, TN vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$57,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$68,675 vs $56,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$63,455 vs $47,310
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $105,000▲ | -$48,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $80,850▲ | -$36,960 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $134,400▲ | -$61,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $168,000▲ | -$76,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 186 | -103 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 9.3% | -9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,675▲ | $56,452 | +$12,223 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $52,668 | $87,997▲ | -$35,329 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,455▲ | $47,310 | +$16,145 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 78,000 | -66,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $48,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 186), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($68,675 vs $56,452 equivalent). Memphis, TN has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.