Houston vs Richardson: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Houston, TX and Richardson, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Richardson, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,349▲ | $108,480 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.05▲ | $52.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,175▲ | $76,373 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,753▲ | $93,076 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,780▲ | $127,719 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,077▲ | $141,682 |
| Total Employed | 4,680▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richardson.
The salary gap between Houston and Richardson is $1,869 (1.72%). 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,Richardson spans $65,309. 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, Richardson ($113,000 effective) pays 1.00% 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 Richardson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,000)
- ✓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 Richardson over the same period.
Houston, TX
$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)
Richardson, TX
$97,189 (2024) → $105,875 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Richardson, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Houston or Richardson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Richardson?
Should I relocate from Houston to Richardson as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Houston vs Richardson?
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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