El Paso vs Houston: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between El Paso, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,082 | $79,390▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.13 | $38.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,825 | $43,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,755 | $62,162▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,831 | $88,286▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,155 | $104,055▲ |
| Total Employed | 320 | 2,210▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between El Paso and Houston is $6,308 (8.63%). Houston's median is +13.02% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Paso spans $58,330,Houston spans $60,415. Houston 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, El Paso ($81,282 effective) pays 0.98% more than Houston ($80,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,282)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,390/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,055)
- ✓Larger job market (2,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in El Paso grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
El Paso, TX
$61,450 (2019) → $71,140 (2025)
Houston, TX
$72,490 (2019) → $77,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: El Paso or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Paso and Houston?
Should I relocate from El Paso to Houston as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in El Paso vs Houston?
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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