Physical Therapist Pay

Austin vs San Juan: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$106,179
$51.05/hr
San Juan, TX
$102,645
$49.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXSan Juan, TX
Median Salary$106,179$102,645
Hourly Rate$51.05$49.34
Entry Level (P10)$84,355$81,950
25th Percentile$99,468$88,460
75th Percentile$134,100$121,966
Top Earner (P90)$138,649$134,755
Total Employed2,4709
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($106,179) and San Juan ($102,645) physical therapist salaries.AustinSan JuanMedian Salary$106,179$102,645Entry Level (P10)$84,355$81,950Top Earner (P90)$138,649$134,755US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and San Juan is $3,534 (3.44%). 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,San Juan spans $52,805. 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
San Juan
P10 (Entry)$81,950
P25$88,460
Median$102,645
P75$121,966
P90 (Top)$134,755

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($108,273 effective) pays 1.26% more than San Juan ($106,922 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $106,179
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $108,273
San Juan
Nominal: $102,645
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $106,922

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 San Juan 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 San Juan over the same period.

Austin, TX

+21.5%

$85,260 (2019) → $103,630 (2025)

San Juan, TX

+8.9%

$91,962 (2024) → $100,181 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Austin or San Juan?

Austin has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,179/year, compared to San Juan at $102,645/year — a difference of $3,534 (3.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and San Juan?

Austin physical therapists earn $51.05/hr while San Juan hygienists earn $49.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to San Juan as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and San Juan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $108,273, San Juan = $106,922), job availability (2,470 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $84,355 in Austin and $81,950 in San Juan. 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