Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Salt Lake City, UT and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$72,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$64,286 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$56,638 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $72,000 | $102,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,440 | $78,540▲ | -$23,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,160 | $130,560▲ | -$38,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $115,200 | $163,200▲ | -$48,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,286▲ | $62,963 | +$1,323 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $63,434 | $94,248▲ | -$30,814 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $56,638 | $58,178▲ | -$1,540 |
| Total Employment | 27,000 | 87,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $30,000 more (median: $72,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Salt Lake City, UT provides better purchasing power ($64,286 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.