Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Seattle, WA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$102,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$62,963 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$58,178 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $102,000▲ | $84,000 | +$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,540▲ | $64,680 | +$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,560▲ | $107,520 | +$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,200▲ | $134,400 | +$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 124 | +38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $62,963 | $67,742▲ | -$4,779 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,248▲ | $77,616 | +$16,632 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,178 | $62,594▲ | -$4,416 |
| Total Employment | 87,000 | 57,000 | +30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $18,000 more (median: $102,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($62,963 vs $67,742 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.