Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$69,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$67,647 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Charlotte, NC
$59,693 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $69,000 | $93,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,130 | $71,610▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,320 | $119,040▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $110,400 | $148,800▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 162 | -60 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,647▲ | $57,407 | +$10,240 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,887 | $81,635▲ | -$20,748 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,693▲ | $50,392 | +$9,301 |
| Total Employment | 30,000 | 63,000 | -33,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $24,000 more (median: $69,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 162), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($67,647 vs $57,407 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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.