Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$67,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$73,626 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$65,316 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $67,000 | $102,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,590 | $78,540▲ | -$26,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,760 | $130,560▲ | -$44,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,200 | $163,200▲ | -$56,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,626▲ | $62,963 | +$10,663 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $59,438 | $94,248▲ | -$34,810 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,316▲ | $58,178 | +$7,138 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 87,000 | -63,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $35,000 more (median: $67,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($73,626 vs $62,963 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.