Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Richmond, VA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Richmond, VA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$69,000 vs $93,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$68,317 vs $57,407
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$59,495 vs $50,392
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $69,000 | $93,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,130 | $71,610▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,320 | $119,040▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $110,400 | $148,800▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 5%▲ | +0.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,317▲ | $57,407 | +$10,910 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,090 | $81,635▲ | -$21,545 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,495▲ | $50,392 | +$9,103 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 63,000 | -42,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $24,000 more (median: $69,000 vs $93,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($68,317 vs $57,407 equivalent). Boston, MA has the lower state tax rate (5% vs 5.75%).
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.