Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Portland, OR vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$84,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Portland, OR
$64,615 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$54,481 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $102,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $78,540▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $130,560▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $163,200▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 162 | -32 |
| State Income Tax | 8.75% | 0%▲ | +8.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,615▲ | $62,963 | +$1,652 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,825 | $94,248▲ | -$23,423 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $54,481 | $58,178▲ | -$3,697 |
| Total Employment | 30,000 | 87,000 | -57,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Portland, OR minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $18,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 130 vs 162), Portland, OR provides better purchasing power ($64,615 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.