Austin vs North Richland Hills: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Austin, TX and North Richland Hills, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | North Richland Hills, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,017▲ | $133,050 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.84▲ | $63.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,543▲ | $98,562 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,450▲ | $115,187 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,080▲ | $159,869 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,109 | $184,178▲ |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Richland Hills.
The salary gap between Austin and North Richland Hills is $5,967 (4.48%). Austin's median is -0.98% 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,North Richland Hills spans $85,616. North Richland Hills 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 2.28% more than North Richland Hills ($138,594 effective).
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 ($139,017/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,759)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose North Richland Hills if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,178)
- ✓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 10.8% growth in North Richland Hills over the same period.
Austin, TX
$114,930 (2019) → $134,550 (2025)
North Richland Hills, TX
$116,258 (2024) → $128,775 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
North Richland Hills, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Austin or North Richland Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and North Richland Hills?
Should I relocate from Austin to North Richland Hills as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Austin vs North Richland Hills?
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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