Physical Therapist in Carrollton, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Carrollton Stands

For a Physical Therapist (PT) evaluating a move to Carrollton, the numbers tell a compelling story. The Carrollton area, part of the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offers a salary that is competitive on a national scale and solid within the state, especially when weighed against the local cost of living.

The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Carrollton is $100,697/year, translating to an hourly rate of $48.41/hour. This figure is slightly above the national average of $99,710/year, indicating a healthy local demand for skilled PTs. The metro area (defined broadly as the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington region) shows 264 active job listings for the profession at any given time, providing a robust market for job seekers. Furthermore, the 10-year job growth projection is 14%, a rate that outpaces many other professions and suggests long-term stability for those entering or advancing in the field.

To understand where you fit in this market, it's helpful to break down salary expectations by experience level. While these are generalized estimates, they provide a realistic framework for negotiations and career planning.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Carrollton
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $85,000	Often starts in outpatient orthopedic clinics or large hospital systems. Strong mentorship programs are common.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $110,000	Specialization begins to pay off. PTs with niche skills (e.g., vestibular rehab, sports) command higher rates.
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $125,000	Many transition into lead PT, clinical supervisor, or management roles. Home health and acute care often pay premiums.
Expert (15+ years)	$120,000+	Typically involves director-level positions, private practice ownership, or highly specialized clinical work in pediatric or neurological settings.

Insider Tip: The $100,697 median is a strong benchmark, but your specific offer will hinge on the setting. Home health and travel PT contracts (often seen in the DFW metro) can push you above the median, especially if you're willing to work weekends or holidays. Acute care hospitals like Baylor Scott & White or Texas Health Presbyterian offer excellent benefits packages that, when factored in, can make their total compensation highly competitive.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Salaries are often 5-10% higher than Carrollton, but the cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly steeper. The commute from Carrollton to downtown Dallas is manageable (30-45 minutes), making it a strategic home base for higher Dallas pay.
• Austin: While Austin has a vibrant PT market, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Salaries may be slightly higher than Carrollton, but your purchasing power is often less. Carrollton offers a more affordable alternative with easy access to Dallas's job market.
• Houston: Houston's larger medical center drives demand, but salaries are comparable to Carrollton. The key difference is industry; Houston's economy is more tied to energy, while Carrollton benefits from the diverse, tech- and corporate-heavy landscape of the DFW metro.
• Fort Worth: Very similar to Carrollton in terms of salary and cost of living. The choice often comes down to specific employer preferences and lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $100,697 sounds excellent, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Carrollton? Let's break it down with a realistic scenario.

Assumptions: Single individual, no dependents, using 2023 tax estimates and standard deductions. This is a model to illustrate take-home pay.

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,697
• Estimated Federal Tax (22% bracket): ~$14,500
• Estimated State Tax (Texas has no income tax): $0
• Social Security & Medicare (7.65%): ~$7,700
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored): ~$2,400/year
• Retirement (401k, 5% match): ~$5,000 (employee contribution)
• Estimated Net Annual Take-Home: ~$71,097
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,925

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,291	Average for Carrollton. High-end new complexes in Old Town or near the North can exceed $1,600.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; summer AC bills can spike.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential in Carrollton. Public transport is limited.
Groceries & Household	$400
Health (copays, prescriptions)	$100
Entertainment/Dining Out	$300	Carrollton has a growing food scene, especially in its Asian district.
Savings/Investments	$800	Aggressive, but recommended for a $100,697 salary.
Miscellaneous	$200
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,741
Remaining Buffer	$2,184

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The Carrollton housing market is competitive but more accessible than in core Dallas or Austin. The median home price in Carrollton is around $400,000 - $450,000. With a $100,697 salary, a 20% down payment ($80,000 - $90,000) is achievable with disciplined saving over 3-5 years. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) for a $400,000 home would be approximately $2,200-$2,500. Given your monthly take-home of ~$5,925, this keeps your housing costs under 40% of your net income, which is a manageable standard. Renting first is a wise strategy to build savings and understand the neighborhoods.

Cost of Living Context: Carrollton's Cost of Living Index is 103.3 (US avg = 100). This means it's about 3.3% more expensive than the national average, primarily driven by housing. However, this is a favorable position compared to the national average and makes it a strategic choice for a professional earning a median salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Carrollton's Major Employers

Carrollton's job market for PTs is buoyed by its position within the DFW metro. The largest employers are not confined to the city limits but are easily accessible. Here are key players and hiring trends:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Carrollton: A major anchor. They host a full-service hospital with inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics, and sports medicine. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for acute care, outpatient orthopedic, and neurological PTs. They offer strong residency programs for new graduates.
2. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital: With a major campus in nearby Plano (a 15-minute commute), Texas Health is a massive employer. Their PT department is large and diverse. Hiring Trend: Constantly recruiting for home health, acute care, and specialty clinics (e.g., women's health, pelvic floor).
3. Children's Health (Plano Campus): One of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation, just a short drive away. Hiring Trend: Highly competitive for pediatric PT positions. Requires specialized experience or a strong interest in pediatrics. They invest heavily in continuing education.
4. Select Physical Therapy/Encompass Health: These large national outpatient chains have multiple locations throughout Carrollton and Carrollton-Farmers Branch. Hiring Trend: High volume hiring, especially for orthopedic and sports rehab. Often a great place for mid-career PTs to gain diverse caseload experience.
5. The Dallas VA Medical Center (North Texas Health Care System): Located in nearby Bonham (a 40-minute commute), this VA system is a major federal employer. Hiring Trend: Steady government hiring with excellent benefits and job security. They seek PTs for geriatric, orthopedic, and amputee rehab.
6. Local Private Practices & Specialty Clinics: Carrollton has a thriving scene of private practices, from sports performance centers to neurological rehab clinics. Hiring Trend: Often seeking PTs with specialized certifications (OCS, NCS) or entrepreneurial drive. These offer more autonomy but may have less traditional benefits.

Insider Tip: Network with PTs who work at the large hospital systems. They often hear about open positions before they're publicly posted. The DFW PT community is active, and word-of-mouth referrals are powerful.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE). The process typically takes 3-6 months after graduation.

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTs. This is a computer-based test offered year-round. The exam fee is approximately $485.
3. Jurisprudence Assessment: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment Module (TX-JAM). This is an open-book, online exam on Texas laws and rules. The fee is $50.
4. Background Check: Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check. The fee is approximately $42.75.
5. Application: Submit the complete application to the TBPTE. The application fee is $170.

Total Estimated Licensing Cost: $747.75 (excluding study materials, travel, or retake fees).

Timeline: Start the process 3-4 months before you plan to move. You can take the NPTE in your final semester. Once you pass all components, the TBPTE typically issues your license within 2-3 weeks. Texas is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact, which can ease licensure for PTs moving from other compact member states.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Carrollton offers diverse living options. Here’s a breakdown by lifestyle and commute:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Old Town Carrollton	Historic, walkable, charming. Close to downtown Carrollton, parks, and local restaurants. Best for those who want a small-town feel.	$1,350 - $1,550	10-15 min to Baylor Carrollton; 20-25 min to Plano hospitals.
The Fields/NE Carrollton	Newer, master-planned communities, more suburban. Great for families, with top-rated schools and parks.	$1,400 - $1,700	15-20 min to most employers; requires a car.
Carrollton-Farmers Branch (CFB ISD area)	Established, affordable, and centrally located. Mix of older homes and apartments. Close to major highways (I-35E, 635).	$1,200 - $1,400	10-20 min commute; highly accessible.
Trinity Mills/Denton Rd. Corridor	Busy, commercial area with many apartment complexes and shopping. Very convenient for errands and dining (especially Asian groceries).	$1,150 - $1,400	15-20 min to most places; traffic can be heavy on Denton Rd.

Insider Tip: If you work at a downtown Dallas hospital, living in Carrollton's historic Old Town and taking the DART Green Line from the Downtown Carrollton station can be a viable (though slow) alternative to driving. For most suburban hospitals, a car is non-negotiable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 14% 10-year job growth is your runway for advancement. Here’s how to leverage it:

• Specialty Premiums: Earning board-certified specialties can boost your salary by 10-15% or more. The most valued in the DFW market are:
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): For outpatient and sports rehab.
  • Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): For stroke, TBI, and spinal cord injury rehab.
  • Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS): In high demand at Children's Health and private clinics.
  • Vestibular Specialist: A growing niche with less competition, especially for post-concussion and vertigo rehab.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from staff PT to Senior PT, then Lead PT within a hospital or clinic system.
  2. Management: Clinical Supervisor or Clinic Director roles (often require an MBA or MHA, but experience can suffice).
  3. Entrepreneurship: Open a cash-based wellness or specialty rehab clinic. Carrollton's growing population supports niche services.
  4. Travel PT: For more money and variety, take short-term contracts (13-week) in the DFW area. Rates can be $50-$60/hour or more, but you forfeit benefits and stability.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to an aging population and the DFW's continued growth. PTs who adapt to value-based care models and integrate tech (telehealth, wearables) will be most resilient. The path from a $100,697 median to $130,000+ is clear with specialization and strategic career moves.

The Verdict: Is Carrollton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong & Growing Job Market (264 jobs, 14% growth)	Car-Dependent: Public transport is limited.
Above-National-Average Salary ($100,697 median)	Traffic: Commutes to Dallas or Plano can be congested during peak hours.
Affordable Housing relative to Dallas/Austin	Suburban Sprawl: Can feel generic in newer areas; lacks the dense urban core of Dallas.
Excellent Access to Top-Tier Healthcare (Baylor, Texas Health, Children's)	Limited Nightlife: Most entertainment is family or dining-oriented; you'll go to Dallas for concerts and major events.
High Quality of Life & Safety for families	Competitive Market for Specialties: While jobs are plentiful, the best ones require niche skills.
No State Income Tax	Summers are Brutally Hot (can impact outdoor activity).

Final Recommendation:
Carrollton is an excellent choice for a Physical Therapist, particularly for those in the mid-career stage looking to maximize income while maintaining a high quality of life. It's ideal for PTs with families who prioritize safety, good schools, and a manageable commute. The $100,697 median salary provides genuine financial comfort here. For new graduates, it's a fantastic place to start—stable jobs, strong mentorship, and a low cost of living allow you to pay down student loans quickly. For experts, it's a hub where you can command a premium salary without the extreme cost of living in coastal cities. If you value a suburban lifestyle with big-city amenities and career opportunities a short drive away, Carrollton is a strategic and rewarding destination.

FAQs

1. I'm a new graduate. Is it hard to find a job in Carrollton?
Not at all. The DFW metro is one of the best in the country for new PTs. Large systems like Baylor and Texas Health have structured residency programs. Outpatient chains also hire frequently. Be flexible with your first job—gaining diverse experience is key.

2. How does the cost of living really compare?
While Carrollton's index is 103.3, the key is housing. A comparable apartment in Dallas might cost $1,600-$1,800. Saving $300-$500/month on rent on a $100,697 salary is significant. Your overall expenses will be lower than in Dallas or Austin, making your dollar go further.

3. Do I need to specialize right away?
No, but start thinking about it. Many PTs work in general outpatient orthopedics for 2-3 years before pursuing a specialty. The local market rewards specialization, but it's not a barrier to entry. Use your first job to identify your interests.

4. What's the commute like from Carrollton to Dallas?
It depends on the time and route. To downtown Dallas (30-40 miles), expect 35-60 minutes during rush hour via I-35E or I-75. To Plano (10-15 miles), it's a 15-30 minute commute. Living in Carrollton and working in Dallas is very common.

5. Are there opportunities for private practice?
Yes, but it's a competitive market. The most successful private practices in Carrollton are niche—think pediatric therapy, vestibular rehab, or sports performance. If you have a vision for a specific service that's underserved, there's opportunity. Network with local PTs and consider a partnership to start.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Texas Board