Dallas vs Wichita Falls: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Dallas, TX and Wichita Falls, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Wichita Falls, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,431▲ | $95,544 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.09▲ | $45.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,181▲ | $68,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,421▲ | $80,441 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,811▲ | $120,298 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,301 | $148,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,100▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita Falls.
The salary gap between Dallas and Wichita Falls is $14,887 (15.58%). 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,Wichita Falls spans $80,523. Wichita Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($107,121 effective) pays 0.36% more than Wichita Falls ($106,738 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)
- ✓Larger job market (6,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,121)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,874)
- ✓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 15.3% growth in Wichita Falls over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$91,230 (2019) → $107,780 (2025)
Wichita Falls, TX
$80,860 (2019) → $93,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Dallas or Wichita Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Wichita Falls?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Wichita Falls as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Dallas vs Wichita Falls?
Related Comparisons
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