Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Seattle, WA and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$102,000 vs $81,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$62,963 vs $63,281
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,178 vs $55,899
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $102,000▲ | $81,000 | +$21,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,540▲ | $62,370 | +$16,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,560▲ | $103,680 | +$26,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,200▲ | $129,600 | +$33,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 128 | +34 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $62,963 | $63,281▲ | -$318 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,248▲ | $71,551 | +$22,697 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,178▲ | $55,899 | +$2,279 |
| Total Employment | 87,000 | 42,000 | +45,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $21,000 more (median: $102,000 vs $81,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 128), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($62,963 vs $63,281 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.