PT Assistant Salary

Austin vs Horizon City: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$87,249
$41.94/hr
Horizon City, TX
$72,474
$34.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXHorizon City, TX
Median Salary$87,249$72,474
Hourly Rate$41.94$34.85
Entry Level (P10)$58,587$55,907
25th Percentile$79,955$66,394
75th Percentile$95,087$81,508
Top Earner (P90)$102,966$89,477
Total Employed1,1806
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($87,249) and Horizon City ($72,474) physical therapist assistant salaries.AustinHorizon CityMedian Salary$87,249$72,474Entry Level (P10)$58,587$55,907Top Earner (P90)$102,966$89,477US Median $70,247

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Horizon City.

The salary gap between Austin and Horizon City is $14,775 (20.39%). Austin's median is +24.20% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $44,379,Horizon City spans $33,570. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$58,587
P25$79,955
Median$87,249
P75$95,087
P90 (Top)$102,966
Horizon City
P10 (Entry)$55,907
P25$66,394
Median$72,474
P75$81,508
P90 (Top)$89,477

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($88,970 effective) pays 17.85% more than Horizon City ($75,494 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $87,249
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $88,970
Horizon City
Nominal: $72,474
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $75,494

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,249/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,966)
  • Larger job market (1,180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,970)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Horizon City if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Austin grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Horizon City over the same period.

Austin, TX

+32.1%

$64,290 (2019) → $84,930 (2025)

Horizon City, TX

+9.7%

$64,331 (2024) → $70,548 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Austin or Horizon City?

Austin has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $87,249/year, compared to Horizon City at $72,474/year — a difference of $14,775 (20.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Horizon City?

Austin physical therapist assistants earn $41.94/hr while Horizon City hygienists earn $34.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Horizon City as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Horizon City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $88,970, Horizon City = $75,494), job availability (1,180 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Austin vs Horizon City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $58,587 in Austin and $55,907 in Horizon City. The Austin 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