Dallas vs Harlingen: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Dallas, TX and Harlingen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Harlingen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,431▲ | $108,257 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.09▲ | $52.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,181 | $80,415▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,421 | $93,446▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,811▲ | $125,672 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,301▲ | $138,290 |
| Total Employed | 6,100▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harlingen.
The salary gap between Dallas and Harlingen is $2,174 (2.01%). 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 Dallas spans $69,120,Harlingen spans $57,875. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Harlingen ($112,768 effective) pays 5.27% more than Dallas ($107,121 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,431/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,301)
- ✓Larger job market (6,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Harlingen if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,768)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Dallas grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Harlingen over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$91,230 (2019) → $107,780 (2025)
Harlingen, TX
$96,732 (2024) → $105,658 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Harlingen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Dallas or Harlingen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Harlingen?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Harlingen as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Dallas vs Harlingen?
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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
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