Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$66,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$73,333 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$65,680 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $93,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,820 | $71,610▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,480 | $119,040▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,600 | $148,800▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07%▲ | 5% | -1.9300000000000002% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,333▲ | $57,407 | +$15,926 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $59,112 | $81,635▲ | -$22,523 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,680▲ | $50,392 | +$15,288 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 63,000 | -42,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $27,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($73,333 vs $57,407 equivalent). Pittsburgh, PA has the lower state tax rate (3.07% 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.