Physical Therapist Pay

Austin vs Bastrop: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Austin, TX and Bastrop, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$106,179
$51.05/hr
Bastrop, TX
$102,339
$49.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXBastrop, TX
Median Salary$106,179$102,339
Hourly Rate$51.05$49.20
Entry Level (P10)$84,355$80,564
25th Percentile$99,468$86,867
75th Percentile$134,100$117,145
Top Earner (P90)$138,649$126,058
Total Employed2,4706
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($106,179) and Bastrop ($102,339) physical therapist salaries.AustinBastropMedian Salary$106,179$102,339Entry Level (P10)$84,355$80,564Top Earner (P90)$138,649$126,058US Median $105,288

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bastrop.

The salary gap between Austin and Bastrop is $3,840 (3.75%). Austin's median is +0.85% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $54,294,Bastrop spans $45,494. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$84,355
P25$99,468
Median$106,179
P75$134,100
P90 (Top)$138,649
Bastrop
P10 (Entry)$80,564
P25$86,867
Median$102,339
P75$117,145
P90 (Top)$126,058

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($108,273 effective) pays 1.57% more than Bastrop ($106,603 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $106,179
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $108,273
Bastrop
Nominal: $102,339
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $106,603

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,179/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,649)
  • Larger job market (2,470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,273)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Bastrop if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Austin grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Bastrop over the same period.

Austin, TX

+21.5%

$85,260 (2019) → $103,630 (2025)

Bastrop, TX

+8.9%

$91,687 (2024) → $99,882 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Austin or Bastrop?

Austin has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,179/year, compared to Bastrop at $102,339/year — a difference of $3,840 (3.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Bastrop?

Austin physical therapists earn $51.05/hr while Bastrop hygienists earn $49.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Bastrop as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Bastrop. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $108,273, Bastrop = $106,603), job availability (2,470 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Austin vs Bastrop?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $84,355 in Austin and $80,564 in Bastrop. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT

Career Analyst

Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov