Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Kingsville, TX: $81,930 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Kingsville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,930 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,344 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,637) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field, expectations around the starting physical therapist salary in Kingsville, TX can vary. In 2026, the entry-level compensation is projected to start at around $81,930, showing a noticeable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $102,637. Recent graduates can realistically anticipate progressing from this entry-level figure through stages like the 25th percentile at $88,443, and eventually moving up to the median salary within their first three to five years. The promising growth trajectory of 2.46% annually suggests that Kingsville remains a relatively stable market for new therapists, offering opportunities to enhance their earnings through experience and skill development.
About the Kingsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsville
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 Kingsville
Entry-level physical therapists in Kingsville, TX typically start between $81,930 and $88,443 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,911 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,637 — 2.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $115,000 represents just 140.36% of the starting physical therapist pay ($81,930/year) in Kingsville. 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 Kingsville
- 1Research the Kingsville market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $81,930 to $88,443, 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 Kingsville, 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 Kingsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsville'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 Kingsville is $48,911 ( 59.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,930, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,841.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,393
2025 BLS Actual
$79,963
2026 Current Est.
$81,930
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kingsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,393 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,855 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,196 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,395 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,075 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,963 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,930 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,946 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsville, TX grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,393 in 2019 to $79,963 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,946. New graduates entering the Kingsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsville 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 Kingsville
Exploring employment options in Kingsville reveals several avenues for new grads aiming to establish their careers. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Select Medical frequently hire newly minted DPTs, providing structured productivity ramps that help recent hires meet performance expectations. Alternatively, local hospital systems often offer residency programs that guide new physical therapists toward board certification, which can significantly elevate their marketability and potential earnings. Additionally, skilled nursing rehab firms like Genesis or RehabCare typically provide higher starting salaries compared to outpatient settings. To enhance starting pay, obtaining a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE national exam is essential. Furthermore, pursuing advanced residency or fellowship board specialization credentials can give new physical therapists a competitive edge. As they navigate their first three years, it's realistic for new grads to aim for gradual salary increases, reinforcing the importance of ongoing education and aligning with industry standards such as those promoted by the APTA.
More salary data for Kingsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Kingsville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Kingsville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kingsville?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Kingsville?
How do I become a physical therapist in Texas?
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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 Kingsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingsville 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