Physical Therapist in Amarillo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

If you’re looking at a move to the Texas Panhandle, the first thing to know is that the pay for Physical Therapists here is solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Amarillo is $96,958/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.61/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, the financial equation changes dramatically when you look at what your paycheck actually buys in this market.

Amarillo isn't a high-cost coastal city. With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (US avg = 100), your dollar stretches about 9% further than the national average. This makes the local salary highly competitive in real terms.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Amarillo market, based on local job postings and industry data:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Amarillo)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	Evaluating patients, implementing basic treatment plans, working under senior PT supervision, documentation.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Managing a full caseload independently, specializing in areas like orthopedics or neurology, patient education, mentoring new grads.
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $120,000	Clinical leadership, program development (e.g., starting a vestibular rehab program), complex case management, quality improvement.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$120,000+	Director-level roles, clinical specialist certifications, consulting, teaching, shaping departmental policy.

How Amarillo Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas/Fort Worth: Median salary is higher (often $105,000+), but the cost of living is 25-35% above national average. Rent for a 1BR can easily be $1,500+.
• Houston: Similar to DFW, salaries are higher ($102,000+) but countered by higher living costs and longer commutes.
• Austin: Tech-driven inflation has made Austin one of the most expensive cities in Texas. Salaries ($98,000 - $108,000) often don't keep pace with housing costs.
• San Antonio: More comparable to Amarillo, with a median salary around $95,000 and a cost of living near the national average.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for PTs in the Amarillo metro is 14%, which is strong. This is driven by an aging population and a focus on outpatient orthopedic and sports rehab. The metro area has 406 jobs for Physical Therapists, indicating a healthy, active market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a PT earning the median salary of $96,958/year in Amarillo. This is a realistic scenario for a mid-level professional.

Assumptions:

• Filing as Single, no dependents.
• Paying for health insurance (employer-sponsored).
• Contributing to a 401(k) (5% match assumption).
• Texas has no state income tax, which is a significant benefit.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,079	$96,958 / 12 months
Federal Tax & FICA	-$1,850	Approx. 23% effective rate (pre-tax deductions lower this)
Health Insurance	-$250	Varies by employer plan
401(k) Contribution (5%)	-$404	Pre-tax
Net Monthly Take-Home	~$5,575	This is your "cash in pocket" number.
Average 1BR Rent	-$879	Citywide average; see neighborhood breakdown below
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$220	Amarillo's climate can lead to higher summer electric bills
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$500	Amarillo is car-dependent; public transport is limited
Groceries & Essentials	-$400
Discretionary Spending	-$1,176	Dining out, entertainment, personal care, etc.
Remaining/Savings	~$2,400	Strong potential for savings or a mortgage payment.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, yes. With a take-home pay of ~$5,575/month and a remaining surplus of ~$2,400, a mortgage is very feasible.

• Median Home Price in Amarillo: Approximately $220,000 - $250,000.
• Estimated Mortgage (20% down, 30-year fixed @7%): $1,200 - $1,400/month (including taxes & insurance).
• Verdict: A PT earning the median salary can comfortably afford a home in Amarillo, even after accounting for a healthy savings rate. This is a stark contrast to markets like Austin or Dallas, where homeownership is often out of reach for single-income professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

The Amarillo healthcare market is anchored by a few major players, with a strong mix of hospital systems, outpatient clinics, and specialized facilities. Hiring trends show a consistent demand for outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine specialists, as well as home health and skilled nursing facility (SNF) therapists.

Here are the key employers to target:

1. Baylor Scott & White Health (Amarillo): The largest system in the region, formed by the merger of BSW and the former Texas Tech Physicians. They operate a major hospital and numerous outpatient clinics. They are a primary employer for hospital-based and outpatient PTs. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on integrated care models.
2. Amarillo Medical Center (formerly Northwest Texas Hospital): Part of the Universal Health Services network, this is a Level II Trauma center. They have an inpatient rehab unit (IRU) and a large outpatient physical therapy department. Hiring Trend: Active, especially for inpatient and acute care PTs.
3. Select Physical Therapy (Part of Select Medical): A major national outpatient orthopedic and sports rehab chain with multiple locations in Amarillo (e.g., on Soncy Rd., Western St.). Known for sports rehab and industrial programs. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring new grads and experienced PTs; strong mentorship programs.
4. Amarillo VA Health Care System: Serves veterans from the Texas Panhandle and surrounding states. Offers PT roles in outpatient, inpatient, and home-based primary care. Federal benefits are a major draw. Hiring Trend: Stable, with periodic openings; often requires or prefers VA experience.
5. Theraplay, Inc.: A large, locally-owned outpatient rehab company with multiple locations in Amarillo and the surrounding region. They specialize in orthopedics, hand therapy, and work comp. Hiring Trend: Active; they often promote from within and have a strong community reputation.
6. Bell Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center: A major skilled nursing facility (SNF) in the area. SNFs are a significant employer for PTs, especially those with geriatric specialties. Hiring Trend: High demand for SNF PTs due to aging population; can be a foot in the door for new grads.
7. Amarillo Independent School District (Amarillo ISD): For PTs interested in pediatrics, the school district hires PTs for special education programs. Hiring Trend: Budget-dependent, but openings occur, especially for those with pediatric certifications.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers post jobs on local job boards like the Amarillo College Career Services page or the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) job board. Network with therapists who work there; word-of-mouth is powerful in a mid-sized city like Amarillo.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but regulated licensing process, managed by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE). Here’s the timeline and cost breakdown.

Requirements:

1. Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM), a state-specific open-book test on Texas rules and laws.
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal history check.

Timeline & Costs:

• Step 1: Apply for Licensure by Examination (After graduation, before taking NPTE).
  • Cost: Application fee is $180.
  • Timeline: Allow 2-4 weeks for processing.
• Step 2: Schedule & Pass NPTE.
  • Cost: Exam fee is $485 (paid to FSBPT).
  • Timeline: You can schedule once your application is processed. Study time varies (3-6 months is common).
• Step 3: Pass Texas Jurisprudence Exam (JAM).
  • Cost: $50.
  • Timeline: Can be taken online after passing NPTE. Results are immediate.
• Step 4: Submit Fingerprints for Background Check.
  • Cost: ~$40 (paid to third-party vendor).
  • Timeline: 1-2 weeks for results.
• Step 5: Receive License.
  • Timeline: Once all steps are complete, the TBPTE issues a license number, typically within 1-2 business days.

Total Estimated Cost: $755 - $800 (excluding study materials and travel for exams).
Total Estimated Timeline: 4-6 months from graduation to a Texas license, assuming you pass exams on the first try. Texas is a compact state, meaning if you’re already licensed in another compact state, the process is faster (but still requires the JAM).

Insider Tip: Apply for your Texas license as soon as you graduate. The background check and application processing can take time, and you don’t want to delay your job start. Keep a digital copy of your license and NPTE scores handy for job applications.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Amarillo is a sprawling city, and your neighborhood choice will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for PTs.

1. Southwest Amarillo (Soncy Road Corridor):

   • Vibe: Modern suburbs, family-friendly, with newer shopping centers and restaurants. Home to the popular Western Street market.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to major employers like Select Physical Therapy (Soncy) and Baylor Scott & White clinics. Easy access to I-40 for other parts of the city.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,100/month (newer complexes).
   • Best For: PTs wanting a quiet, suburban feel with modern amenities and a short commute to outpatient clinics.

2. Central Amarillo (Medical Center Area):

   • Vibe: Established, convenient, and close to everything. Mix of older homes and apartment complexes. Walkable to coffee shops and local eateries.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and Amarillo Medical Center. Central to most outpatient clinics.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $950/month (older complexes, some renovated).
   • Best For: PTs who want to minimize commute, enjoy a central location, and prefer a more established neighborhood feel.

3. Northwest Amarillo (Georgia Street Area):

   • Vibe: A mix of older, well-kept homes and some new developments. Close to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens and many churches.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most major employers. Access to US-87 for a direct route to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $900/month (excellent value for space).
   • Best For: PTs looking for more affordable rent, spacious apartments, and a quieter residential setting.

4. The Historic District (Wolflin / Plemon-Ackel):

   • Vibe: Charming, historic homes (1920s-1950s), tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. Close to Amarillo College and downtown.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to all major employers. Can be longer during peak traffic (though traffic is minimal).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100+ (often in converted historic homes or small complexes; limited inventory).
   • Best For: PTs who love character, walkability, and a unique neighborhood feel. Often attracts young professionals and empty nesters.

5. East Amarillo (near Amarillo College):

   • Vibe: Affordable, practical, and close to educational resources. More working-class and diverse.
   • Commute: 15-30 minutes to major employers; depends on specific location.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $650 - $800/month (most affordable in the city).
   • Best For: PTs on a tight budget, recent graduates, or those who prioritize saving over location.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Amarillo offers a clear path for career advancement, though it may require some proactive planning. The 10-year job growth of 14% ensures opportunities, but specialization is key to reaching the higher end of the salary spectrum.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): This is the most valued specialty in Amarillo's strong outpatient market. PTs with an OCS can command a 5-10% premium on base salary and are often fast-tracked for lead or clinical director roles.
• Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): With a strong high school and college sports culture (Texas Tech, Amarillo College), SCS-certified PTs are in demand for outpatient sports rehab clinics. Can lead to roles with local teams or athletic programs.
• Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS): Critical for roles in SNFs (like Bell Nursing Home) and home health. Given the aging population in the Panhandle, this is a stable and growing niche.
• Manual Therapy Certifications (e.g., OMT, Maitland, McKenzie): Highly valued in outpatient orthopedics. Can lead to clinic leadership or specialized program development.
• Leadership Path: The most common advancement is from Staff PT -> Senior PT -> Clinical Supervisor -> Clinic Director. Larger systems (BSW, Select) have regional director roles that oversee multiple clinics.

10-Year Outlook:
The demand will remain strong. Expect growth in:

• Home Health PT: As the population ages, more care will shift to the home.
• Telehealth: While not replacing in-person care, telehealth for consultations and follow-ups will become more common, especially in a geographically spread-out region like the Panhandle.
• Preventative & Wellness Programs: As healthcare shifts toward value-based care, PTs with certifications in wellness and preventative care will be in higher demand.

Insider Tip: The Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) - Panhandle District is an excellent resource for networking and continuing education. Attending their meetings can lead to job opportunities and mentorship. Also, consider teaching as an adjunct at Amarillo College—it’s a great way to build your resume and give back.

The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: A $96,958 salary goes very far. Homeownership is attainable.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: Compared to Austin or Dallas, Amarillo is quieter. Options are more family-oriented.
Strong Job Market: 406 jobs and 14% growth indicate stability. Major employers are active.	Car Dependency: You will need a car. Public transit is minimal.
Low Commute Times: Most commutes are under 20 minutes, freeing up personal time.	Weather Extremes: Hot, dry summers and cold, windy winters can be challenging. Tornadoes are a risk.
Friendly, Tight-Knit Community: Easy to build a network professionally and personally.	Limited Specialties: For highly niche specialties (e.g., pediatric oncology, complex neuro), you may need to travel for CEUs or advanced roles.
No State Income Tax: Immediate boost to take-home pay.	Isolation: It’s a 4-6 hour drive to any major city (Lubbock, Dallas, Denver).

Final Recommendation:
Amarillo is an **excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability