Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$73,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$70,874 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$63,850 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $73,000 | $93,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,210 | $71,610▲ | -$15,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,440 | $119,040▲ | -$25,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $116,800 | $148,800▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5%▲ | 5% | -2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,874▲ | $57,407 | +$13,467 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,766 | $81,635▲ | -$15,869 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,850▲ | $50,392 | +$13,458 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 63,000 | -25,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $20,000 more (median: $73,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($70,874 vs $57,407 equivalent). Phoenix, AZ has the lower state tax rate (2.5% vs 5%).
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.