2026 Salary — Texas
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in Texas: $102K Median
Physical Therapists in Texas earn between $77K and $133K per year.
That's +2% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Texas is $101,704 per year — +2% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $76,500 (entry, 25th percentile) to $132,600 (90th percentile). Texas's cost-of-living index is 93. Texas has no state income tax.
Median
$101,704
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$79,560
Experienced
$117,300
Top 10%
$132,600
About Physical Therapists in Texas
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Physical Therapist Salary in Texas Metros
Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay calculator.
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Houston | $104,696 |
| Dallas | $104,696 |
| Austin | $114,666 |
| San Antonio | $92,730 |
| Fort Worth | $101,704 |
| El Paso | $84,754 |
| Arlington | $99,710 |
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in Texas
Walk-away anchor: $92,458.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — Texas
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Texas?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Texas is $101,704 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $76,500 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $132,600 (90th percentile). Texas has no state income tax — increasing take-home meaningfully.
How does Physical Therapist pay in Texas compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Texas earn approximately 2% more than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $101,704 in Texas). Texas's cost-of-living index of 93 amplifies the real purchasing power.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Texas increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Texas grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $15,410 in 2025 to $101,704 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which Texas cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Top-paying Texas metros for Physical Therapists: Houston ($105K), Dallas ($105K), Austin ($115K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Texas?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Texas's top industries include Energy/Oil & Gas, Tech, Healthcare, and the state's unemployment rate is 4.1% — steady demand for skilled workers.
Does Texas have state income tax?
No, Texas has no state income tax. This significantly boosts take-home pay vs comparable salaries in tax states like California or New York. At $101,704, you keep all of it (after federal + FICA).
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Texas employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Texas?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for Texas: $92,458.
Methodology
Texas Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by Texas's state multiplier (1.02×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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