Dallas vs Killeen: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Killeen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Killeen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,379 | $144,855▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.01 | $69.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,983 | $119,800▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,446 | $141,858▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,179 | $170,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,359▲ | $170,602 |
| Total Employed | 3,230▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Dallas and Killeen are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dallas and Killeen is $5,476 (3.93%). Killeen's median is +3.18% 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,Killeen spans $50,802. 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, Killeen ($158,951 effective) pays 17.57% 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 Killeen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,855/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,951)
- ✓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 23.6% growth in Killeen over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$109,030 (2019) → $134,900 (2025)
Killeen, TX
$113,420 (2019) → $140,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Killeen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Dallas or Killeen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Killeen?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Killeen as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Dallas vs Killeen?
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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