Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Hurst, TX: $77,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,009 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,218 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,133) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Hurst, Texas, can expect a starting physical therapist salary of approximately $77,009. This figure represents a significant entry point compared to the city median of $104,133, highlighting a notable gap that new grads will need to navigate in their initial years. As they gain experience and additional skills, salaries may rise to around $91,559 at the 25th percentile, gradually moving towards the median as they build their careers. The prospect of earning a decent wage quickly makes Hurst an appealing market for recent graduates, especially considering the steady growth trajectory in the physical therapy sector, with an annual growth rate of 2.46% projected over the next five years.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level physical therapists in Hurst, TX typically start between $77,009 and $91,559 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,491 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,133 — 1.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $115,000 represents just 149.33% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,009/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,009 to $91,559, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst's moderate 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 Hurst is $52,491 ( 68.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,009, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,500.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,526
2025 BLS Actual
$75,160
2026 Current Est.
$77,009
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,405 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,648 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,903 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,526 in 2019 to $75,160 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,903. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
Within the Hurst job market, several employers actively recruit new physical therapy graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico typically hire entry-level physical therapists, offering structured productivity ramps that help early-career professionals develop their skills and build a patient base. Alternatively, larger hospital systems often provide residency programs, which can be crucial for those seeking board certification and specialized skills. Facilities such as Genesis and RehabCare may offer competitive salaries right from the start. To enhance starting pay in Texas, new graduates should ensure they have completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from a CAPTE-accredited institution, passed the NPTE national exam, and secured their state PT license. Engaging in additional certifications, such as residencies or fellowships in specialized areas like Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), can also be beneficial. As the industry evolves, new grads must focus on building productivity and efficiency in their early years to meet growing demands in the field while also adapting to reimbursement changes that affect salary structures and job expectations.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Hurst in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Hurst?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Hurst?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Hurst?
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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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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