Houston vs Amarillo: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Houston, TX and Amarillo, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Amarillo, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,349 | $112,501▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.05 | $54.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,175▲ | $75,902 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,753 | $96,989▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,780▲ | $126,538 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,077▲ | $142,471 |
| Total Employed | 4,680▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Houston and Amarillo are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and Amarillo is $2,152 (1.95%). Amarillo's median is +6.85% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $65,902,Amarillo spans $66,569. Amarillo 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, Amarillo ($122,523 effective) pays 9.51% more than Houston ($111,883 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,077)
- ✓Larger job market (4,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Amarillo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,501/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,523)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Houston grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Amarillo over the same period.
Houston, TX
$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)
Amarillo, TX
$85,110 (2019) → $109,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Amarillo, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Houston or Amarillo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Amarillo?
Should I relocate from Houston to Amarillo as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Houston vs Amarillo?
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