Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Houston, TX vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Houston, TX and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$77,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Houston, TX
$71,963 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Houston, TX
$66,493 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $77,000 | $84,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290 | $64,680▲ | -$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,560 | $107,520▲ | -$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,200 | $134,400▲ | -$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $71,963▲ | $67,742 | +$4,221 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,148 | $77,616▲ | -$6,468 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $66,493▲ | $62,594 | +$3,899 |
| Total Employment | 42,000 | 57,000 | -15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Houston, TX minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $7,000 more (median: $77,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Houston, TX provides better purchasing power ($71,963 vs $67,742 equivalent). Houston, 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.