Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$52,023 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$43,599 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $102,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,300 | $78,540▲ | -$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,200 | $130,560▲ | -$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,000 | $163,200▲ | -$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $52,023 | $62,963▲ | -$10,940 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $75,426 | $94,248▲ | -$18,822 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $43,599 | $58,178▲ | -$14,579 |
| Total Employment | 72,000 | 87,000 | -15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $12,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($52,023 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.