Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$73,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$70,874 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$63,850 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $73,000 | $102,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,210 | $78,540▲ | -$22,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,440 | $130,560▲ | -$37,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $116,800 | $163,200▲ | -$46,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,874▲ | $62,963 | +$7,911 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,766 | $94,248▲ | -$28,482 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,850▲ | $58,178 | +$5,672 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 87,000 | -49,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $29,000 more (median: $73,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($70,874 vs $62,963 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.