Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Detroit, MI vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Detroit, MI and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$65,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$73,034 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$64,615 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $65,000 | $84,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,050 | $64,680▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,200 | $107,520▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $104,000 | $134,400▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 124 | -35 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,034▲ | $67,742 | +$5,292 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $57,507 | $77,616▲ | -$20,109 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,615▲ | $62,594 | +$2,021 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 57,000 | -34,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $19,000 more (median: $65,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 124), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($73,034 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.