PT Assistant Salary

Dallas vs Murphy: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$82,564
$39.69/hr
Murphy, TX
$71,988
$34.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXMurphy, TX
Median Salary$82,564$71,988
Hourly Rate$39.69$34.61
Entry Level (P10)$38,924$54,796
25th Percentile$65,829$65,358
75th Percentile$93,905$81,987
Top Earner (P90)$107,753$90,447
Total Employed2,1105
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($82,564) and Murphy ($71,988) physical therapist assistant salaries.DallasMurphyMedian Salary$82,564$71,988Entry Level (P10)$38,924$54,796Top Earner (P90)$107,753$90,447US Median $70,247

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Murphy is $10,576 (14.69%). Dallas's median is +17.53% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $68,829,Murphy spans $35,651. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$38,924
P25$65,829
Median$82,564
P75$93,905
P90 (Top)$107,753
Murphy
P10 (Entry)$54,796
P25$65,358
Median$71,988
P75$81,987
P90 (Top)$90,447

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($80,089 effective) pays 6.80% more than Murphy ($74,988 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $82,564
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $80,089
Murphy
Nominal: $71,988
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $74,988

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,564/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,753)
  • Larger job market (2,110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,089)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Murphy if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Dallas grew 4.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Murphy over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+4.5%

$76,920 (2021) → $80,370 (2025)

Murphy, TX

+9.7%

$63,899 (2024) → $70,075 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Dallas or Murphy?

Dallas has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $82,564/year, compared to Murphy at $71,988/year — a difference of $10,576 (14.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Murphy?

Dallas physical therapist assistants earn $39.69/hr while Murphy hygienists earn $34.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Murphy as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Murphy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $80,089, Murphy = $74,988), job availability (2,110 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Dallas vs Murphy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $38,924 in Dallas and $54,796 in Murphy. The Murphy 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