Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Texarkana, AR: $86,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Texarkana, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,366 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $99,386 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,273) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Texarkana, Arkansas, new graduates entering the physical therapy field can expect a starting salary around $86,366 in 2026, which provides a solid foundation compared to the city's median annual salary of $107,273. This gap of just under $21,000 reflects typical growth trajectories for early-career professionals, where new physical therapists can realistically anticipate moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $92,981 within the first few years of practice. Given its projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, Texarkana presents a viable job market for fresh DPT graduates, especially when considering factors like the cost of living index, which sits below the national average.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
Entry-level physical therapists in Texarkana, AR typically start between $86,366 and $92,981 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,516 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,273 — 1.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arkansas of $75,000 represents just 86.84% of the starting physical therapist pay ($86,366/year) in Texarkana. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $86,366 to $92,981, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Texarkana, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Texarkana is $51,516 ( 59.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,366, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,882.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,879
2025 BLS Actual
$84,292
2026 Current Est.
$86,366
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,879 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,672 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,206 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,161 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,490 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, AR grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,879 in 2019 to $84,292 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,490. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Texarkana
New physical therapists in Texarkana have several employment avenues to consider. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Select Medical frequently hire newly graduated DPTs, offering structured career pathways with productivity-based compensation. Additionally, local hospital systems often provide residency programs that can lead to board certification, enhancing job prospects and potential earnings. Skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare may offer higher starting pay. To bolster their credentials, new graduates should ensure they complete CAPTE-accredited programs, pass the NPTE, and obtain state licensing. Optional residencies for board specialization, such as OCS or SCS, coupled with an APTA membership, can further elevate their marketability and salary potential. New grads should aim for salary increases in the range of 5-10% during their early years, navigating the evolving demands of the profession while adjusting to productivity pressures that may arise from reimbursement cuts in the industry.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Texarkana in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Texarkana?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Texarkana?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Texarkana?
How do I become a physical therapist in Arkansas?
Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Texarkana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov