Dallas vs Waco: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Dallas, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,431▲ | $102,860 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.09▲ | $49.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,181▲ | $77,993 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,421▲ | $84,212 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,811▲ | $125,852 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,301▲ | $134,284 |
| Total Employed | 6,100▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Dallas and Waco is $7,571 (7.36%). 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,Waco spans $56,291. 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, Waco ($111,140 effective) pays 3.75% 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 Waco if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,140)
- ✓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 11.4% growth in Waco over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$91,230 (2019) → $107,780 (2025)
Waco, TX
$90,120 (2019) → $100,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Dallas or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Waco?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Waco as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Dallas vs Waco?
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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