Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Memphis, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$57,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$68,675 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$63,455 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $84,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $64,680▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $107,520▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $134,400▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 124 | -41 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,675▲ | $67,742 | +$933 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $52,668 | $77,616▲ | -$24,948 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,455▲ | $62,594 | +$861 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 57,000 | -45,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $27,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 124), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($68,675 vs $67,742 equivalent). Memphis, TN 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.