Physical Therapist Pay

Austin vs Rockwall: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$106,179
$51.05/hr
Rockwall, TX
$103,003
$49.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXRockwall, TX
Median Salary$106,179$103,003
Hourly Rate$51.05$49.52
Entry Level (P10)$84,355$82,819
25th Percentile$99,468$89,201
75th Percentile$134,100$120,589
Top Earner (P90)$138,649$132,267
Total Employed2,47012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($106,179) and Rockwall ($103,003) physical therapist salaries.AustinRockwallMedian Salary$106,179$103,003Entry Level (P10)$84,355$82,819Top Earner (P90)$138,649$132,267US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Rockwall is $3,176 (3.08%). 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,Rockwall spans $49,448. 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
Rockwall
P10 (Entry)$82,819
P25$89,201
Median$103,003
P75$120,589
P90 (Top)$132,267

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($108,273 effective) pays 0.91% more than Rockwall ($107,295 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $106,179
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $108,273
Rockwall
Nominal: $103,003
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $107,295

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 Rockwall 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 Rockwall over the same period.

Austin, TX

+21.5%

$85,260 (2019) → $103,630 (2025)

Rockwall, TX

+8.9%

$92,282 (2024) → $100,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Austin or Rockwall?

Austin has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,179/year, compared to Rockwall at $103,003/year — a difference of $3,176 (3.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Rockwall?

Austin physical therapists earn $51.05/hr while Rockwall hygienists earn $49.52/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Rockwall. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $108,273, Rockwall = $107,295), job availability (2,470 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $84,355 in Austin and $82,819 in Rockwall. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AM

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