Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$57,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$68,675 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$63,455 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $93,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $71,610▲ | -$27,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $119,040▲ | -$46,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $148,800▲ | -$57,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,675▲ | $57,407 | +$11,268 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $52,668 | $81,635▲ | -$28,967 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,455▲ | $50,392 | +$13,063 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 63,000 | -51,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $36,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($68,675 vs $57,407 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.