Houston vs McAllen: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,349▲ | $106,538 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.05▲ | $51.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,175▲ | $65,236 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,753▲ | $86,241 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,780▲ | $128,136 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,077 | $148,362▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,680▲ | 590 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $3,811 (3.58%). Houston's median is +4.81% 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,McAllen spans $83,126. McAllen 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, McAllen ($124,033 effective) pays 10.86% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,349/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,362)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,033)
- ✓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 6.4% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$88,530 (2019) → $107,700 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$97,750 (2019) → $103,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Houston vs McAllen?
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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