Houston vs Irving: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Houston, TX and Irving, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Irving, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,390 | $81,614▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.16 | $39.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,640 | $53,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,162 | $68,587▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,286 | $94,681▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,055 | $108,905▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,210▲ | 51 |
Verdict
Irving, TX offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Irving is $2,224 (2.80%). Irving's median is +16.18% 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,Irving spans $55,588. 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, Irving ($85,015 effective) pays 5.62% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Irving if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,905)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,015)
- ✓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 Irving over the same period.
Houston, TX
$72,490 (2019) → $77,280 (2025)
Irving, TX
$72,444 (2024) → $79,445 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Irving, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Houston or Irving?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Irving?
Should I relocate from Houston to Irving as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Houston vs Irving?
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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