Physical Therapist Salary in Houston, TX: $110,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Houston, TX earns a median $110,349/year (≈ $53.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Houston's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.6), that paycheck buys what $111,883 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Houston, TX can anticipate median earnings of $110,349, reflecting a robust job market that surpasses the national average by 4.81%. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, spanning from $80,175 at the lower end (P10) to $146,077 at the upper end (P90), as reported based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Several factors influence these salaries, including the type of facility where one is employed. Generally, outpatient chains may offer lower base salaries compared to hospital systems, which often include additional benefits such as productivity bonuses. Given Houston's diverse healthcare landscape, therapists entering this field have many opportunities for growth and advancement, particularly as the demand for outpatient services continues to rise.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,175 | $38.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,753 | $46.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,349 | $53.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,780 | $62.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,077 | $70.23 |
Median Salary Position
4.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houston
In Houston, TX, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,902 (2026 est.). At $110,349, the local median is 4.81% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houston Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Houston median: $110,349/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $107,135 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +4.81% more |
Physical Therapists in Houston, TX earn a median of $110,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.81% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.00% above the Texas state average of $107,135.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houston has a cost of living 1.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 98.629 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $110,349 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,883 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,530
2025 BLS Actual
$107,700
2026 Current Est.
$110,349
2019–2027 Growth
+27.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houston metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 21.7% from $88,530 (2019) to $107,700 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,534 (27.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston 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) | $80,175 – $96,753 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,753 – $110,349 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,349 – $130,780 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,780 – $146,077 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Houston
Looking at the local job market, approximately 4,680 physical therapists are currently practicing in Houston, providing a supportive community for new professionals. The cost of living index stands at 98.629, which is below the national average, thereby enhancing the purchasing power of local salaries. Among the various employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics—both private practices and larger chains like ATI and Athletico—while often offering lower base pay may include productivity bonuses that can result in competitive overall compensation. In contrast, hospital settings typically offer stability and potential for growth but may come with heightened expectations for productivity, which can influence earnings. To maximize pay in the Houston market, physical therapists should consider specializing—such as obtaining board certifications like OCS or SCS, as these credentials can lead to higher salaries. Additionally, exploring cash-pay models or travel PT opportunities might provide further financial reward in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Houston, TX in 2026?
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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 $107,700 for physical therapistsin the Houston 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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