Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$69,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$68,317 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$59,495 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $69,000 | $102,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,130 | $78,540▲ | -$25,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,320 | $130,560▲ | -$42,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $110,400 | $163,200▲ | -$52,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,317▲ | $62,963 | +$5,354 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,090 | $94,248▲ | -$34,158 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,495▲ | $58,178 | +$1,317 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 87,000 | -66,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $33,000 more (median: $69,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($68,317 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.