Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Memphis, TN vs New York, NY
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN and New York, NY, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ New York, NY
$57,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$68,675 vs $54,011
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$63,455 vs $46,487
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | New York, NY | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $101,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $77,770▲ | -$33,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $129,280▲ | -$56,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $161,600▲ | -$70,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 187 | -104 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 6.85% | -6.85% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,675▲ | $54,011 | +$14,664 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $52,668 | $86,931▲ | -$34,263 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,455▲ | $46,487 | +$16,968 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 102,000 | -90,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus New York, NY.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, New York, NY pays $44,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 187), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($68,675 vs $54,011 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.