Austin vs Dallas: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,017 | $139,379▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.84 | $67.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,543▲ | $99,983 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,450▲ | $132,446 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,080▲ | $161,179 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,109 | $177,359▲ |
| Total Employed | 680 | 3,230▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Dallas is $362 (0.26%). Dallas's median is -0.72% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $60,566,Dallas spans $77,376. Dallas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($141,759 effective) pays 4.85% more than Dallas ($135,201 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,759)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,379/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,359)
- ✓Larger job market (3,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Austin grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Austin, TX
$114,930 (2019) → $134,550 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$109,030 (2019) → $134,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Austin or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Austin to Dallas as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Austin vs Dallas?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov