Dallas vs Houston: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,379 | $141,796▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.01 | $68.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,983▲ | $93,939 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,446▲ | $113,642 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,179 | $165,715▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,359▲ | $173,826 |
| Total Employed | 3,230▲ | 2,390 |
Verdict
Dallas and Houston are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $2,417 (1.73%). Houston's median is +1.00% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $77,376,Houston spans $79,887. Houston 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, Houston ($143,767 effective) pays 6.34% 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 Dallas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,359)
- ✓Larger job market (3,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,796/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,767)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Dallas grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$109,030 (2019) → $134,900 (2025)
Houston, TX
$117,330 (2019) → $137,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Dallas or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Houston?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Houston as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Dallas vs Houston?
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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