Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Houston, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Houston, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$77,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Houston, TX
$71,963 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Houston, TX
$66,493 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $77,000 | $102,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290 | $78,540▲ | -$19,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,560 | $130,560▲ | -$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,200 | $163,200▲ | -$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $71,963▲ | $62,963 | +$9,000 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,148 | $94,248▲ | -$23,100 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $66,493▲ | $58,178 | +$8,315 |
| Total Employment | 42,000 | 87,000 | -45,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Houston, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $25,000 more (median: $77,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Houston, TX provides better purchasing power ($71,963 vs $62,963 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.