Dallas vs San Antonio: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Dallas, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,431▲ | $108,618 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.09▲ | $52.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,181▲ | $77,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,421▲ | $87,501 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,811▲ | $128,300 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,301▲ | $140,616 |
| Total Employed | 6,100▲ | 1,700 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Antonio is $1,813 (1.67%). Dallas's median is +4.88% 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,San Antonio spans $62,736. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Antonio ($114,678 effective) pays 7.05% more than Dallas ($107,121 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,431/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,301)
- ✓Larger job market (6,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,678)
- ✓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 29.3% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$91,230 (2019) → $107,780 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$82,010 (2019) → $106,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Dallas or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Dallas to San Antonio as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Dallas vs San Antonio?
Related Comparisons
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