Dallas vs Austin: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,379▲ | $139,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.01▲ | $66.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,983 | $115,543▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,446 | $134,450▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,179 | $163,080▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,359▲ | $176,109 |
| Total Employed | 3,230▲ | 680 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Dallas and Austin 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 Dallas spans $77,376,Austin spans $60,566. Dallas 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, 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 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
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,759)
- ✓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 17.1% growth in Austin over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$109,030 (2019) → $134,900 (2025)
Austin, TX
$114,930 (2019) → $134,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Dallas or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Austin?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Austin as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Dallas vs Austin?
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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