Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Austin, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Austin, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$84,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$67,742 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$62,594 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $102,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $78,540▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $130,560▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $163,200▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,742▲ | $62,963 | +$4,779 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $77,616 | $94,248▲ | -$16,632 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $62,594▲ | $58,178 | +$4,416 |
| Total Employment | 57,000 | 87,000 | -30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $18,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($67,742 vs $62,963 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.