Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Austin, TX vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Austin, TX and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$84,000 vs $81,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$67,742 vs $63,281
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$62,594 vs $55,899
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000▲ | $81,000 | +$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680▲ | $62,370 | +$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520▲ | $103,680 | +$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400▲ | $129,600 | +$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 128 | -4 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,742▲ | $63,281 | +$4,461 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $77,616▲ | $71,551 | +$6,065 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $62,594▲ | $55,899 | +$6,695 |
| Total Employment | 57,000 | 42,000 | +15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $3,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $81,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 128), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($67,742 vs $63,281 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.