Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Texarkana, TX: $73,833 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,833 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 84.0 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,884 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,177) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Texarkana, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to sit at around $73,833 in 2026. While this initial pay may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $108,177 for all physical therapists in the area, it represents a common pathway into the profession. Over the first few years, new entrants can generally expect their earnings to rise, potentially reaching $92,501 as they progress through the ranks. This trajectory indicates that Texarkana can be a solid location for entry-level physical therapists, particularly as the demand for these healthcare professionals continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.46%. With the local cost of living significantly below the national average, the city presents an attractive opportunity for new grads seeking to establish their careers in an accessible market.
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, TX typically start between $73,833 and $92,501 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,976 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,177 — 2.74% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $115,000 represents just 155.76% of the starting physical therapist pay ($73,833/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 $73,833 to $92,501, 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 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 $63,976 ( 86.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,833, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,809.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,029
2025 BLS Actual
$72,060
2026 Current Est.
$73,833
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 | $58,029 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,346 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,833 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,649 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,029 in 2019 to $72,060 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,649. 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
When it comes to securing that first job, recent graduates in Texarkana can look toward various healthcare facilities that actively hire entry-level physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Select Medical are often prime employers, focusing on productivity models that help new physical therapists ramp up quickly in their roles. Alternatively, hospital systems in the region may offer residency programs designed to facilitate board certification, enhancing credentials that can significantly boost starting pay. Credentials like a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE exam are essential for entering this field. Additionally, ongoing education and specialized training, such as those available through APTA, can open doors for accelerated salary growth in the first few years. Thus, while the pathway for new graduates might start at a lower level of compensation, strategic career planning and the right opportunities in Texarkana can lead to promising advancements and higher earnings over time.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
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?
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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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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