Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Indianapolis, IN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$65,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$72,222 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$64,631 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $65,000 | $93,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,050 | $71,610▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,200 | $119,040▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $104,000 | $148,800▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15%▲ | 5% | -1.85% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,222▲ | $57,407 | +$14,815 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $58,168 | $81,635▲ | -$23,467 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,631▲ | $50,392 | +$14,239 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 63,000 | -40,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $28,000 more (median: $65,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($72,222 vs $57,407 equivalent). Indianapolis, IN has the lower state tax rate (3.15% vs 5%).
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.