Fort Worth vs Houston: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Fort Worth, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Worth, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,469 | $141,796▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.57 | $68.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,832▲ | $93,939 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,361▲ | $113,642 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,023▲ | $165,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,590▲ | $173,826 |
| Total Employed | 219 | 2,390▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Worth.
The salary gap between Fort Worth and Houston is $3,327 (2.40%). 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 Fort Worth spans $104,758,Houston spans $79,887. Fort Worth 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, Fort Worth ($144,239 effective) pays 0.33% more than Houston ($143,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Worth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,590)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,239)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,796/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fort Worth grew 4.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Fort Worth, TX
$128,755 (2024) → $134,020 (2025)
Houston, TX
$117,330 (2019) → $137,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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