PT Assistant Salary

Austin vs Sachse: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$87,249
$41.94/hr
Sachse, TX
$74,382
$35.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXSachse, TX
Median Salary$87,249$74,382
Hourly Rate$41.94$35.76
Entry Level (P10)$58,587$55,024
25th Percentile$79,955$66,595
75th Percentile$95,087$84,450
Top Earner (P90)$102,966$94,174
Total Employed1,1805
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($87,249) and Sachse ($74,382) physical therapist assistant salaries.AustinSachseMedian Salary$87,249$74,382Entry Level (P10)$58,587$55,024Top Earner (P90)$102,966$94,174US Median $70,247

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Sachse is $12,867 (17.30%). 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,Sachse spans $39,150. 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
Sachse
P10 (Entry)$55,024
P25$66,595
Median$74,382
P75$84,450
P90 (Top)$94,174

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($88,970 effective) pays 14.83% more than Sachse ($77,481 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $87,249
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $88,970
Sachse
Nominal: $74,382
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $77,481

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 Sachse 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 Sachse over the same period.

Austin, TX

+32.1%

$64,290 (2019) → $84,930 (2025)

Sachse, TX

+9.7%

$66,025 (2024) → $72,405 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $87,249/year, compared to Sachse at $74,382/year — a difference of $12,867 (17.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Sachse?

Austin physical therapist assistants earn $41.94/hr while Sachse hygienists earn $35.76/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Sachse. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $88,970, Sachse = $77,481), job availability (1,180 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $58,587 in Austin and $55,024 in Sachse. 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