Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Friendswood, TX: $75,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Friendswood, TX earns a median $75,270/year (≈ $36.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Friendswood's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $78,406 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Friendswood, TX, the journey from physical therapist assistant (PTA) to doctor of physical therapy (DPT) significantly enhances lifetime earnings potential. With a 2026 median annual salary projected at $75,270, PTAs in this region enjoy a competitive financial landscape compared to the national median of $70,247, reflecting an increase of 7.15%. The salary ranges from $56,824 at the 10th percentile to $97,016 at the 90th percentile, providing ample opportunity for career growth in various settings. The estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments highlight the demand for skilled PTAs as the local healthcare market evolves, affirming Friendswood's attractiveness to those entering the field.
About the Friendswood Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,824 | $27.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,469 | $32.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,270 | $36.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,506 | $41.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,016 | $46.64 |
Median Salary Position
7.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Friendswood
In Friendswood, TX, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,192 (2026 est.). At $75,270, the local median is 7.15% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Friendswood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Friendswood Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Friendswood median: $75,270/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Friendswood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $77,839 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +7.15% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Friendswood, TX earn a median of $75,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.15% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $77,839.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Friendswood has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Friendswood, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $75,270 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $78,406 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,994
2025 BLS Actual
$73,270
2026 Current Est.
$75,270
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Friendswood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,994 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,044 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,813 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,325 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Friendswood metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $62,994 (2019) to $73,270 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,325 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,331 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Friendswood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,824 – $68,469 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,469 – $75,270 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,270 – $86,506 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,506 – $97,016 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Friendswood
Earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Friendswood reflects local market dynamics, with just eight professionals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index is notably lower at 96 compared to the national average, enhancing the purchasing power of residents, although it also suggests that salaries may be somewhat constrained. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, but the pay disparity often hinges on factors such as setting, productivity expectations, and ongoing changes in Medicare reimbursement policies. Those looking to maximize their pay in this market should consider opportunities in higher-paying environments while remaining aware of the challenges imposed by the Medicare 15% cut, which has notably affected PTAs in outpatient and SNF settings. Pursuing further education or transitioning to roles that offer supervision responsibilities may also yield financial benefits in the growing field.
More salary data for Friendswood, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Friendswood, TX in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Friendswood?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $73,270 for physical therapist assistantsin the Friendswood metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Friendswood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov