Dallas vs Richardson: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Richardson, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Richardson, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,564▲ | $78,834 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.69▲ | $37.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,924 | $51,453▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,829 | $70,478▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,905▲ | $90,552 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,753▲ | $102,473 |
| Total Employed | 2,110▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richardson.
The salary gap between Dallas and Richardson is $3,730 (4.73%). 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,Richardson spans $51,020. 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, Richardson ($82,119 effective) pays 2.53% 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 Richardson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,119)
- ✓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 9.7% growth in Richardson over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$76,920 (2021) → $80,370 (2025)
Richardson, TX
$69,976 (2024) → $76,739 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Richardson, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Dallas or Richardson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Richardson?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Richardson as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Dallas vs Richardson?
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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