Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$66,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$73,333 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$65,680 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $102,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,820 | $78,540▲ | -$27,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,480 | $130,560▲ | -$46,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,600 | $163,200▲ | -$57,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,333▲ | $62,963 | +$10,370 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $59,112 | $94,248▲ | -$35,136 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,680▲ | $58,178 | +$7,502 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 87,000 | -66,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $36,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($73,333 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.