Grand Prairie vs Houston: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Grand Prairie, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Prairie, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,281 | $110,349▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.06 | $53.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,811 | $80,175▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,688 | $96,753▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,328▲ | $130,780 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,031▲ | $146,077 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 4,680▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Prairie.
The salary gap between Grand Prairie and Houston is $2,068 (1.91%). 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 Grand Prairie spans $72,220,Houston spans $65,902. Grand Prairie 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, Grand Prairie ($112,793 effective) pays 0.81% 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 Grand Prairie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,031)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,793)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,349/year)
- ✓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 Grand Prairie grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Houston over the same period.
Grand Prairie, TX
$97,010 (2024) → $105,681 (2025)
Houston, TX
$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Prairie, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Grand Prairie or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Prairie and Houston?
Should I relocate from Grand Prairie to Houston as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Grand Prairie 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