Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Salt Lake City, UT and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$72,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$64,286 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$56,638 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $72,000 | $84,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,440 | $64,680▲ | -$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,160 | $107,520▲ | -$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $115,200 | $134,400▲ | -$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 124 | -12 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,286 | $67,742▲ | -$3,456 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $63,434 | $77,616▲ | -$14,182 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $56,638 | $62,594▲ | -$5,956 |
| Total Employment | 27,000 | 57,000 | -30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $12,000 more (median: $72,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($64,286 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.