Physical Therapist Pay

Carrollton vs Dallas: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Carrollton, TX
$108,462
$52.14/hr
Dallas, TX
$110,431
$53.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCarrollton, TXDallas, TX
Median Salary$108,462$110,431
Hourly Rate$52.14$53.09
Entry Level (P10)$76,333$79,181
25th Percentile$93,040$90,421
75th Percentile$127,509$130,811
Top Earner (P90)$148,935$148,301
Total Employed206,100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Carrollton ($108,462) and Dallas ($110,431) physical therapist salaries.CarrolltonDallasMedian Salary$108,462$110,431Entry Level (P10)$76,333$79,181Top Earner (P90)$148,935$148,301US Median $105,288

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carrollton.

The salary gap between Carrollton and Dallas is $1,969 (1.82%). Dallas's median is +4.88% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carrollton spans $72,602,Dallas spans $69,120. Carrollton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Carrollton
P10 (Entry)$76,333
P25$93,040
Median$108,462
P75$127,509
P90 (Top)$148,935
Dallas
P10 (Entry)$79,181
P25$90,421
Median$110,431
P75$130,811
P90 (Top)$148,301

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Carrollton ($112,981 effective) pays 5.47% more than Dallas ($107,121 effective).

Carrollton
Nominal: $108,462
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $112,981
Dallas
Nominal: $110,431
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $107,121

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Carrollton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($148,935)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,981)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,431/year)
  • Larger job market (6,100 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Carrollton grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Dallas over the same period.

Carrollton, TX

+8.9%

$97,173 (2024) → $105,858 (2025)

Dallas, TX

+18.1%

$91,230 (2019) → $107,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Carrollton or Dallas?

Dallas has a higher median physical therapist salary at $110,431/year, compared to Carrollton at $108,462/year — a difference of $1,969 (1.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Carrollton and Dallas?

Carrollton physical therapists earn $52.14/hr while Dallas hygienists earn $53.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Carrollton to Dallas as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Carrollton and Dallas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Carrollton = $112,981, Dallas = $107,121), job availability (20 vs 6,100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Carrollton vs Dallas?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $76,333 in Carrollton and $79,181 in Dallas. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov