Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Nashville, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Nashville, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$71,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Nashville, TN
$64,545 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Nashville, TN
$59,640 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $71,000 | $93,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $71,610▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,880 | $119,040▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,600 | $148,800▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 162 | -52 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,545▲ | $57,407 | +$7,138 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,604 | $81,635▲ | -$16,031 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,640▲ | $50,392 | +$9,248 |
| Total Employment | 27,000 | 63,000 | -36,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Nashville, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $22,000 more (median: $71,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 110 vs 162), Nashville, TN provides better purchasing power ($64,545 vs $57,407 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.