Physiologyat San Francisco State University
Graduates earn $36,707/yr in their first year — about 18.0% above the national Physiology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $738K; scenarios range from $642K to $752K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at SF State
Your strong earnings potential from this program isn't accidental; it's deeply tied to the robust biotech and healthcare ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay Area. The region is a global leader in life sciences, home to major pharmaceutical companies, innovative biotech startups, and world-class research institutions like UCSF and Stanford. SF State graduates often find themselves in demand for roles in R&D support, clinical labs, and quality control, forming a critical part of these pipelines. This foundational science degree positions you well for a variety of paths, from hands-on lab work to eventually managing research teams or even transitioning into health education, especially with further graduate study. Given the high AI risk identified, actively pursuing internships and networking within this dynamic local industry is crucial to future-proof your career.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to SF State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Physiology
How SF State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at SF State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at SF State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Physiology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Physiology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Physiology at SF State
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physiology at San Francisco State University?
A score of 54/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Physiology field.
Will AI replace Physiology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $641,942 in decade earnings vs $751,878 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes San Francisco State University's Physiology program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 62 programs nationally, San Francisco State University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.