Austin vs McAllen: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Austin, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,249▲ | $74,500 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.94▲ | $35.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,587▲ | $46,362 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,955▲ | $63,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,087▲ | $88,605 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,966 | $103,788▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,180▲ | 410 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Austin and McAllen is $12,749 (17.11%). 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,McAllen spans $57,426. McAllen has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($88,970 effective) pays 2.58% more than McAllen ($86,734 effective).
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)
- ✓Larger job market (1,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,970)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,788)
- ✓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 -2.6% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Austin, TX
$64,290 (2019) → $84,930 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$74,470 (2019) → $72,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Austin or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Austin to McAllen as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Austin vs McAllen?
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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.
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