Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Columbus, OH vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Columbus, OH and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$67,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$73,626 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$65,316 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $67,000 | $84,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,590 | $64,680▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,760 | $107,520▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,200 | $134,400▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 124 | -33 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,626▲ | $67,742 | +$5,884 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $59,438 | $77,616▲ | -$18,178 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,316▲ | $62,594 | +$2,722 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 57,000 | -33,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $17,000 more (median: $67,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 124), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($73,626 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.