Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$87,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$57,237 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$47,968 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $87,000 | $102,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,990 | $78,540▲ | -$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,360 | $130,560▲ | -$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $139,200 | $163,200▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $57,237 | $62,963▲ | -$5,726 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,912 | $94,248▲ | -$21,336 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $47,968 | $58,178▲ | -$10,210 |
| Total Employment | 36,000 | 87,000 | -51,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $15,000 more (median: $87,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($57,237 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.