Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Louisville, KY vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Louisville, KY and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$60,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Louisville, KY
$68,966 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Louisville, KY
$61,175 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $60,000 | $102,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,200 | $78,540▲ | -$32,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,800 | $130,560▲ | -$53,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $96,000 | $163,200▲ | -$67,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 162 | -75 |
| State Income Tax | 4% | 0%▲ | +4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,966▲ | $62,963 | +$6,003 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $53,222 | $94,248▲ | -$41,026 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $61,175▲ | $58,178 | +$2,997 |
| Total Employment | 15,000 | 87,000 | -72,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Louisville, KY minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $60,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 87 vs 162), Louisville, KY provides better purchasing power ($68,966 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.