Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$105,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$56,452 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$47,310 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000▲ | $102,000 | +$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,850▲ | $78,540 | +$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,400▲ | $130,560 | +$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,000▲ | $163,200 | +$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 186 | 162 | +24 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $56,452 | $62,963▲ | -$6,511 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,997 | $94,248▲ | -$6,251 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $47,310 | $58,178▲ | -$10,868 |
| Total Employment | 78,000 | 87,000 | -9,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Francisco, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $3,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 186 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($56,452 vs $62,963 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.