Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Nashville, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Nashville, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$71,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$64,545 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$59,640 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $71,000 | $84,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $64,680▲ | -$10,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,880 | $107,520▲ | -$16,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,600 | $134,400▲ | -$20,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 124 | -14 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,545 | $67,742▲ | -$3,197 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,604 | $77,616▲ | -$12,012 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,640 | $62,594▲ | -$2,954 |
| Total Employment | 27,000 | 57,000 | -30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Nashville, TN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $13,000 more (median: $71,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 110 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($64,545 vs $67,742 equivalent). Nashville, 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.