Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Denver, CO and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$81,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$63,281 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$55,899 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $81,000 | $84,000▲ | -$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,370 | $64,680▲ | -$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,680 | $107,520▲ | -$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,600 | $134,400▲ | -$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 124 | +4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $63,281 | $67,742▲ | -$4,461 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,551 | $77,616▲ | -$6,065 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $55,899 | $62,594▲ | -$6,695 |
| Total Employment | 42,000 | 57,000 | -15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $3,000 more (median: $81,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($63,281 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.