Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Detroit, MI vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Detroit, MI and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$65,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$73,034 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$64,615 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $65,000 | $102,000▲ | -$37,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,050 | $78,540▲ | -$28,490 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,200 | $130,560▲ | -$47,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $104,000 | $163,200▲ | -$59,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 162 | -73 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,034▲ | $62,963 | +$10,071 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $57,507 | $94,248▲ | -$36,741 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,615▲ | $58,178 | +$6,437 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 87,000 | -64,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $37,000 more (median: $65,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 162), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($73,034 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.