Austin vs Houston: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,179 | $110,349▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.05 | $53.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,355▲ | $80,175 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,468▲ | $96,753 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,100▲ | $130,780 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,649 | $146,077▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,470 | 4,680▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $4,170 (3.93%). Houston's median is +4.81% 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,Houston spans $65,902. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($111,883 effective) pays 3.33% more than Austin ($108,273 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,349/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,077)
- ✓Larger job market (4,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,883)
- ✓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 21.7% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$85,260 (2019) → $103,630 (2025)
Houston, TX
$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Austin vs Houston?
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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.
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