Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Louisville, KY vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Louisville, KY and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$60,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Louisville, KY
$68,966 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$61,175 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $60,000 | $84,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,200 | $64,680▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,800 | $107,520▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $96,000 | $134,400▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 124 | -37 |
| State Income Tax | 4% | 0%▲ | +4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,966▲ | $67,742 | +$1,224 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $53,222 | $77,616▲ | -$24,394 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $61,175 | $62,594▲ | -$1,419 |
| Total Employment | 15,000 | 57,000 | -42,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Louisville, KY minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $24,000 more (median: $60,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 87 vs 124), Louisville, KY provides better purchasing power ($68,966 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.