Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$57,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$68,675 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$63,455 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $102,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $78,540▲ | -$34,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $130,560▲ | -$57,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $163,200▲ | -$72,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,675▲ | $62,963 | +$5,712 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $52,668 | $94,248▲ | -$41,580 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,455▲ | $58,178 | +$5,277 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 87,000 | -75,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $45,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($68,675 vs $62,963 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.