Physical Therapist Pay

Austin vs Weslaco: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$106,179
$51.05/hr
Weslaco, TX
$104,183
$50.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXWeslaco, TX
Median Salary$106,179$104,183
Hourly Rate$51.05$50.09
Entry Level (P10)$84,355$77,129
25th Percentile$99,468$91,665
75th Percentile$134,100$123,528
Top Earner (P90)$138,649$135,820
Total Employed2,4709
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($106,179) and Weslaco ($104,183) physical therapist salaries.AustinWeslacoMedian Salary$106,179$104,183Entry Level (P10)$84,355$77,129Top Earner (P90)$138,649$135,820US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Weslaco is $1,996 (1.92%). 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,Weslaco spans $58,691. Weslaco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$84,355
P25$99,468
Median$106,179
P75$134,100
P90 (Top)$138,649
Weslaco
P10 (Entry)$77,129
P25$91,665
Median$104,183
P75$123,528
P90 (Top)$135,820

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Weslaco ($108,524 effective) pays 0.23% more than Austin ($108,273 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $106,179
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $108,273
Weslaco
Nominal: $104,183
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $108,524

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)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Weslaco if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,524)
  • 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 Weslaco over the same period.

Austin, TX

+21.5%

$85,260 (2019) → $103,630 (2025)

Weslaco, TX

+8.9%

$93,340 (2024) → $101,682 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Austin or Weslaco?

Austin has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,179/year, compared to Weslaco at $104,183/year — a difference of $1,996 (1.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Weslaco?

Austin physical therapists earn $51.05/hr while Weslaco hygienists earn $50.09/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Weslaco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $108,273, Weslaco = $108,524), job availability (2,470 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $84,355 in Austin and $77,129 in Weslaco. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

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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