PT Assistant Salary

Austin vs Hurst: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Austin, TX and Hurst, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$87,249
$41.94/hr
Hurst, TX
$75,675
$36.39/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXHurst, TX
Median Salary$87,249$75,675
Hourly Rate$41.94$36.39
Entry Level (P10)$58,587$51,878
25th Percentile$79,955$69,331
75th Percentile$95,087$84,609
Top Earner (P90)$102,966$93,662
Total Employed1,1809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($87,249) and Hurst ($75,675) physical therapist assistant salaries.AustinHurstMedian Salary$87,249$75,675Entry Level (P10)$58,587$51,878Top Earner (P90)$102,966$93,662US Median $70,247

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hurst.

The salary gap between Austin and Hurst is $11,574 (15.29%). Austin's median is +24.20% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $44,379,Hurst spans $41,784. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$58,587
P25$79,955
Median$87,249
P75$95,087
P90 (Top)$102,966
Hurst
P10 (Entry)$51,878
P25$69,331
Median$75,675
P75$84,609
P90 (Top)$93,662

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($88,970 effective) pays 12.87% more than Hurst ($78,828 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $87,249
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $88,970
Hurst
Nominal: $75,675
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $78,828

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,249/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,966)
  • Larger job market (1,180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,970)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Hurst if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Austin grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Hurst over the same period.

Austin, TX

+32.1%

$64,290 (2019) → $84,930 (2025)

Hurst, TX

+9.7%

$67,172 (2024) → $73,664 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Austin or Hurst?

Austin has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $87,249/year, compared to Hurst at $75,675/year — a difference of $11,574 (15.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Hurst?

Austin physical therapist assistants earn $41.94/hr while Hurst hygienists earn $36.39/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Hurst as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Hurst. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $88,970, Hurst = $78,828), job availability (1,180 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Austin vs Hurst?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $58,587 in Austin and $51,878 in Hurst. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, DPT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov