Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: San Diego, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Diego, CA
$87,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$57,237 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$47,968 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $87,000▲ | $84,000 | +$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,990▲ | $64,680 | +$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,360▲ | $107,520 | +$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $139,200▲ | $134,400 | +$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 124 | +28 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $57,237 | $67,742▲ | -$10,505 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,912 | $77,616▲ | -$4,704 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $47,968 | $62,594▲ | -$14,626 |
| Total Employment | 36,000 | 57,000 | -21,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Diego, CA pays $3,000 more (median: $87,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($57,237 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.