Physical Therapist Salary in Arlington, TX: $108,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Arlington, TX earns a median $108,201/year (≈ $52.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $112,709 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist salary in Arlington, TX, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $108,201, slightly outperforming the national average of $105,288 by approximately 2.77%. This position offers a wide salary range, with the lowest tier (P10) at $75,516 and the upper echelon (P90) reaching as high as $147,856, reflecting the diverse practice settings available. The compensation landscape can vary significantly based on whether therapists work in outpatient chains, hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities. Outpatient orthopedic chains, while typically offering lower base pay compared to hospital environments, often incorporate performance incentives linked to productivity, creating opportunities for therapists willing to meet ambitious patient treatment goals.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,516 | $36.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,331 | $41.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,201 | $52.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,306 | $62.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,856 | $71.09 |
Median Salary Position
2.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, TX, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,340 (2026 est.). At $108,201, the local median is 2.77% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Arlington median: $108,201/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $107,130 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +2.77% more |
Physical Therapists in Arlington, TX earn a median of $108,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.00% above the Texas state average of $107,130.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $108,201 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,709 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,914
2025 BLS Actual
$105,603
2026 Current Est.
$108,201
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,265 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,424 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,469 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,764 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,603 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,863 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $91,914 (2019) to $105,603 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,949 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,516 – $86,331 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,331 – $108,201 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,201 – $130,306 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,306 – $147,856 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Arlington
Within Arlington, the local market supports 83 physical therapists, and the cost-of-living index at 96 suggests that salaries may stretch further than in many urban areas. This affordability contrasts sharply with employers like hospital systems or specialized clinics that may offer higher pay but come with various productivity expectations and heavier caseloads. The income disparity is influenced by factors such as board certifications (like OCS or SCS), clinic ownership stakes, and whether practices rely on cash-pay models as opposed to insurance reimbursement. Maximizing physical therapist pay in Arlington TX may involve seeking opportunities in high-demand outpatient settings while pursuing specialized credentials and aligning with clinics that prioritize strong financial performance. Understanding the local healthcare climate and strategic negotiation can significantly enhance earning potential in this evolving marketplace.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Arlington, TX in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Arlington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Arlington?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $105,603 for physical therapistsin the Arlington metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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