Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Nashville, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Nashville, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$71,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Nashville, TN
$64,545 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Nashville, TN
$59,640 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $71,000 | $102,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $78,540▲ | -$23,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,880 | $130,560▲ | -$39,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,600 | $163,200▲ | -$49,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 162 | -52 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,545▲ | $62,963 | +$1,582 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,604 | $94,248▲ | -$28,644 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,640▲ | $58,178 | +$1,462 |
| Total Employment | 27,000 | 87,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Nashville, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $31,000 more (median: $71,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 110 vs 162), Nashville, TN provides better purchasing power ($64,545 vs $62,963 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.