Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$90,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$52,023 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$43,599 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000▲ | $84,000 | +$6,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,300▲ | $64,680 | +$4,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,200▲ | $107,520 | +$7,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,000▲ | $134,400 | +$9,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $52,023 | $67,742▲ | -$15,719 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $75,426 | $77,616▲ | -$2,190 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $43,599 | $62,594▲ | -$18,995 |
| Total Employment | 72,000 | 57,000 | +15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $6,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($52,023 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.