Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$75,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$72,816 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$64,254 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $75,000 | $102,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,750 | $78,540▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,000 | $130,560▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,000 | $163,200▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,816▲ | $62,963 | +$9,853 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $66,182 | $94,248▲ | -$28,066 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,254▲ | $58,178 | +$6,076 |
| Total Employment | 33,000 | 87,000 | -54,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $27,000 more (median: $75,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($72,816 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.