Physical Therapist Pay

Houston vs Hurst: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Houston, TX
$110,349
$53.05/hr
Hurst, TX
$104,133
$50.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXHurst, TX
Median Salary$110,349$104,133
Hourly Rate$53.05$50.06
Entry Level (P10)$80,175$77,009
25th Percentile$96,753$91,559
75th Percentile$130,780$119,343
Top Earner (P90)$146,077$129,500
Total Employed4,6809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($110,349) and Hurst ($104,133) physical therapist salaries.HoustonHurstMedian Salary$110,349$104,133Entry Level (P10)$80,175$77,009Top Earner (P90)$146,077$129,500US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Houston and Hurst is $6,216 (5.97%). 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,Hurst spans $52,491. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$80,175
P25$96,753
Median$110,349
P75$130,780
P90 (Top)$146,077
Hurst
P10 (Entry)$77,009
P25$91,559
Median$104,133
P75$119,343
P90 (Top)$129,500

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($111,883 effective) pays 3.14% more than Hurst ($108,472 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $110,349
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $111,883
Hurst
Nominal: $104,133
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $108,472

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,883)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Hurst if…

  • 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 8.9% growth in Hurst over the same period.

Houston, TX

+21.7%

$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)

Hurst, TX

+8.9%

$93,295 (2024) → $101,633 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Houston or Hurst?

Houston has a higher median physical therapist salary at $110,349/year, compared to Hurst at $104,133/year — a difference of $6,216 (5.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Hurst?

Houston physical therapists earn $53.05/hr while Hurst hygienists earn $50.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Hurst as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Hurst. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $111,883, Hurst = $108,472), job availability (4,680 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Houston vs Hurst?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,175 in Houston and $77,009 in Hurst. The Houston 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