Houston vs Little Elm: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Houston, TX and Little Elm, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Little Elm, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,390▲ | $75,560 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.16▲ | $36.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,640 | $51,608▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,162 | $69,086▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,286▲ | $84,345 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,055▲ | $93,297 |
| Total Employed | 2,210▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Elm.
The salary gap between Houston and Little Elm is $3,830 (5.07%). 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 Houston spans $60,415,Little Elm spans $41,689. Houston 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, Houston ($80,494 effective) pays 2.27% more than Little Elm ($78,708 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,390/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,055)
- ✓Larger job market (2,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,494)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Elm if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Houston grew 6.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Little Elm over the same period.
Houston, TX
$72,490 (2019) → $77,280 (2025)
Little Elm, TX
$67,071 (2024) → $73,552 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Little Elm, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Houston or Little Elm?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Little Elm?
Should I relocate from Houston to Little Elm as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Houston vs Little Elm?
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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