Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Raleigh, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$75,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$72,816 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$64,254 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $75,000 | $93,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,750 | $71,610▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,000 | $119,040▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,000 | $148,800▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,816▲ | $57,407 | +$15,409 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $66,182 | $81,635▲ | -$15,453 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,254▲ | $50,392 | +$13,862 |
| Total Employment | 33,000 | 63,000 | -30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $18,000 more (median: $75,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($72,816 vs $57,407 equivalent). Raleigh, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% 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.