Physical Therapist Pay

Dallas vs Temple: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$110,431
$53.09/hr
Temple, TX
$99,709
$47.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXTemple, TX
Median Salary$110,431$99,709
Hourly Rate$53.09$47.94
Entry Level (P10)$79,181$77,893
25th Percentile$90,421$85,138
75th Percentile$130,811$118,620
Top Earner (P90)$148,301$132,157
Total Employed6,10014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($110,431) and Temple ($99,709) physical therapist salaries.DallasTempleMedian Salary$110,431$99,709Entry Level (P10)$79,181$77,893Top Earner (P90)$148,301$132,157US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Temple is $10,722 (10.75%). 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,Temple spans $54,264. 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
Temple
P10 (Entry)$77,893
P25$85,138
Median$99,709
P75$118,620
P90 (Top)$132,157

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($107,121 effective) pays 3.14% more than Temple ($103,864 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $110,431
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $107,121
Temple
Nominal: $99,709
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $103,864

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,121)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Temple if…

  • 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 3.2% growth in Temple over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+18.1%

$91,230 (2019) → $107,780 (2025)

Temple, TX

+3.2%

$94,261 (2024) → $97,315 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Dallas or Temple?

Dallas has a higher median physical therapist salary at $110,431/year, compared to Temple at $99,709/year — a difference of $10,722 (10.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Temple?

Dallas physical therapists earn $53.09/hr while Temple hygienists earn $47.94/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Temple. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $107,121, Temple = $103,864), job availability (6,100 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $79,181 in Dallas and $77,893 in Temple. 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