Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$75,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$72,816 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$64,254 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $75,000 | $84,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,750 | $64,680▲ | -$6,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,000 | $107,520▲ | -$11,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,000 | $134,400▲ | -$14,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,816▲ | $67,742 | +$5,074 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $66,182 | $77,616▲ | -$11,434 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,254▲ | $62,594 | +$1,660 |
| Total Employment | 33,000 | 57,000 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $9,000 more (median: $75,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($72,816 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.