Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Dallas, TX vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Dallas, TX and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$79,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$70,536 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$65,175 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $79,000 | $84,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,830 | $64,680▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,120 | $107,520▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $126,400 | $134,400▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 124 | -12 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,536▲ | $67,742 | +$2,794 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,996 | $77,616▲ | -$4,620 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,175▲ | $62,594 | +$2,581 |
| Total Employment | 52,500 | 57,000 | -4,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $79,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 124), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($70,536 vs $67,742 equivalent). Dallas, 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.