Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Denver, CO and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$81,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$63,281 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$55,899 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $81,000 | $102,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,370 | $78,540▲ | -$16,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,680 | $130,560▲ | -$26,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,600 | $163,200▲ | -$33,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 162 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $63,281▲ | $62,963 | +$318 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,551 | $94,248▲ | -$22,697 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $55,899 | $58,178▲ | -$2,279 |
| Total Employment | 42,000 | 87,000 | -45,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $21,000 more (median: $81,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 162), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($63,281 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.