El Paso vs Houston: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between El Paso, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,704 | $110,349▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.34 | $53.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,193 | $80,175▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,849 | $96,753▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,786 | $130,780▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,471 | $146,077▲ |
| Total Employed | 550 | 4,680▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between El Paso and Houston is $5,645 (5.39%). Houston's median is +4.81% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Paso spans $75,278,Houston spans $65,902. El Paso 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, El Paso ($116,452 effective) pays 4.08% more than Houston ($111,883 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,452)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,349/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,077)
- ✓Larger job market (4,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in El Paso grew 16.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Houston over the same period.
El Paso, TX
$87,830 (2019) → $102,190 (2025)
Houston, TX
$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: El Paso or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Paso and Houston?
Should I relocate from El Paso to Houston as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in El Paso vs Houston?
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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.
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