Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Oklahoma City, OK and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$59,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$68,605 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$60,379 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $59,000 | $84,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,430 | $64,680▲ | -$19,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,520 | $107,520▲ | -$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,400 | $134,400▲ | -$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 124 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,605▲ | $67,742 | +$863 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $51,926 | $77,616▲ | -$25,690 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $60,379 | $62,594▲ | -$2,215 |
| Total Employment | 13,500 | 57,000 | -43,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $25,000 more (median: $59,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 124), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($68,605 vs $67,742 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.