Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Dallas, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$79,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$70,536 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$65,175 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $79,000 | $93,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,830 | $71,610▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,120 | $119,040▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $126,400 | $148,800▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,536▲ | $57,407 | +$13,129 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,996 | $81,635▲ | -$8,639 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,175▲ | $50,392 | +$14,783 |
| Total Employment | 52,500 | 63,000 | -10,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $14,000 more (median: $79,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($70,536 vs $57,407 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.