Dallas vs San Antonio: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,564▲ | $78,927 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.69▲ | $37.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,924 | $48,817▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,829 | $66,168▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,905▲ | $86,725 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,753▲ | $101,590 |
| Total Employed | 2,110▲ | 960 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Antonio is $3,637 (4.61%). 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,San Antonio spans $52,773. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Antonio ($83,330 effective) pays 4.05% more than Dallas ($80,089 effective).
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)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,330)
- ✓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 24.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$76,920 (2021) → $80,370 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$61,950 (2019) → $76,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Dallas or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Dallas to San Antonio as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Dallas vs San Antonio?
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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