Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Washington, DC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Washington, DC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$91,000 vs $102,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$59,868 vs $62,963
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$51,723 vs $58,178
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Washington, DC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $91,000 | $102,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,070 | $78,540▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,480 | $130,560▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $145,600 | $163,200▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 6.5% | 0%▲ | +6.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $59,868 | $62,963▲ | -$3,095 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $78,619 | $94,248▲ | -$15,629 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $51,723 | $58,178▲ | -$6,455 |
| Total Employment | 67,500 | 87,000 | -19,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Washington, DC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $11,000 more (median: $91,000 vs $102,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($59,868 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.