PT Assistant Salary

Austin vs San Juan: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$87,249
$41.94/hr
San Juan, TX
$74,593
$35.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXSan Juan, TX
Median Salary$87,249$74,593
Hourly Rate$41.94$35.86
Entry Level (P10)$58,587$55,526
25th Percentile$79,955$67,039
75th Percentile$95,087$86,546
Top Earner (P90)$102,966$97,487
Total Employed1,1809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($87,249) and San Juan ($74,593) physical therapist assistant salaries.AustinSan JuanMedian Salary$87,249$74,593Entry Level (P10)$58,587$55,526Top Earner (P90)$102,966$97,487US Median $70,247

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and San Juan is $12,656 (16.97%). 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,San Juan spans $41,961. 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
San Juan
P10 (Entry)$55,526
P25$67,039
Median$74,593
P75$86,546
P90 (Top)$97,487

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($88,970 effective) pays 14.50% more than San Juan ($77,701 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $87,249
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $88,970
San Juan
Nominal: $74,593
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $77,701

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 San Juan 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 San Juan over the same period.

Austin, TX

+32.1%

$64,290 (2019) → $84,930 (2025)

San Juan, TX

+9.7%

$66,212 (2024) → $72,611 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Austin or San Juan?

Austin has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $87,249/year, compared to San Juan at $74,593/year — a difference of $12,656 (16.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and San Juan?

Austin physical therapist assistants earn $41.94/hr while San Juan hygienists earn $35.86/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and San Juan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $88,970, San Juan = $77,701), job availability (1,180 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $58,587 in Austin and $55,526 in San Juan. 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