Houston vs Corpus Christi: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Houston, TX and Corpus Christi, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Corpus Christi, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,349▲ | $108,690 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.05▲ | $52.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,175▲ | $76,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,753▲ | $88,802 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,780▲ | $120,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,077▲ | $133,464 |
| Total Employed | 4,680▲ | 380 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Corpus Christi.
The salary gap between Houston and Corpus Christi is $1,659 (1.53%). 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 Houston spans $65,902,Corpus Christi spans $57,264. Houston 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, Corpus Christi ($117,286 effective) pays 4.83% 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 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
Choose Corpus Christi if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,286)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Houston grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Corpus Christi over the same period.
Houston, TX
$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)
Corpus Christi, TX
$92,660 (2019) → $106,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Houston or Corpus Christi?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Corpus Christi?
Should I relocate from Houston to Corpus Christi as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Houston vs Corpus Christi?
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