Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$69,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$67,647 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$59,693 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $69,000 | $84,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,130 | $64,680▲ | -$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,320 | $107,520▲ | -$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $110,400 | $134,400▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,647 | $67,742▲ | -$95 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,887 | $77,616▲ | -$16,729 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,693 | $62,594▲ | -$2,901 |
| Total Employment | 30,000 | 57,000 | -27,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $15,000 more (median: $69,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($67,647 vs $67,742 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.