Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$66,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$73,333 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$65,680 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $84,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,820 | $64,680▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,480 | $107,520▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,600 | $134,400▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,333▲ | $67,742 | +$5,591 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $59,112 | $77,616▲ | -$18,504 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,680▲ | $62,594 | +$3,086 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 57,000 | -36,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $18,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($73,333 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.