Physical Therapist Pay

Dallas vs Amarillo: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$110,431
$53.09/hr
Amarillo, TX
$112,501
$54.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXAmarillo, TX
Median Salary$110,431$112,501
Hourly Rate$53.09$54.09
Entry Level (P10)$79,181$75,902
25th Percentile$90,421$96,989
75th Percentile$130,811$126,538
Top Earner (P90)$148,301$142,471
Total Employed6,100190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($110,431) and Amarillo ($112,501) physical therapist salaries.DallasAmarilloMedian Salary$110,431$112,501Entry Level (P10)$79,181$75,902Top Earner (P90)$148,301$142,471US Median $105,288

Verdict

Dallas and Amarillo are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Dallas and Amarillo is $2,070 (1.87%). Amarillo's median is +6.85% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $69,120,Amarillo spans $66,569. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$79,181
P25$90,421
Median$110,431
P75$130,811
P90 (Top)$148,301
Amarillo
P10 (Entry)$75,902
P25$96,989
Median$112,501
P75$126,538
P90 (Top)$142,471

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Amarillo ($122,523 effective) pays 14.38% more than Dallas ($107,121 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $110,431
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $107,121
Amarillo
Nominal: $112,501
CoL Index: 91.82
Adjusted: $122,523

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($148,301)
  • Larger job market (6,100 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Amarillo if…

  • Higher median salary ($112,501/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,523)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Dallas grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Amarillo over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+18.1%

$91,230 (2019) → $107,780 (2025)

Amarillo, TX

+29.0%

$85,110 (2019) → $109,800 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Dallas or Amarillo?

Amarillo has a higher median physical therapist salary at $112,501/year, compared to Dallas at $110,431/year — a difference of $2,070 (1.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Amarillo?

Dallas physical therapists earn $53.09/hr while Amarillo hygienists earn $54.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Amarillo as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Amarillo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $107,121, Amarillo = $122,523), job availability (6,100 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Dallas vs Amarillo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $79,181 in Dallas and $75,902 in Amarillo. The Dallas 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