Houston vs McAllen: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,796▲ | $136,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.17▲ | $65.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,939 | $105,417▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,642 | $131,196▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,715▲ | $140,650 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,826 | $202,972▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,390▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $5,548 (4.07%). 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 Houston spans $79,887,McAllen spans $97,555. McAllen 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, McAllen ($158,622 effective) pays 10.33% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,796/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,972)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,622)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Houston grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$117,330 (2019) → $137,240 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$116,410 (2019) → $131,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a physician assistant?
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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