The Complete Career Guide for Physical Therapists in Longview, TX

If you're a Physical Therapist (PT) considering Longview, you're looking at a city where your skills are in demand, the cost of living is manageable, and the pace of life is distinctly East Texas. This isn't a sprawling metropolis, but a practical, growing community with a solid healthcare infrastructure. As a local career analyst, I'll give you the unvarnished data and on-the-ground insights you need to decide if Longview is your next professional home.

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. Physical Therapists in Longview earn a median salary of $96,240 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.27. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710, but the gap narrows significantly when you factor in Longview's favorable cost of living. With a cost of living index of 88.4 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most other cities.

Longview is part of the larger Longview, TX metro area, which supports approximately 168 jobs for Physical Therapists. The 10-year job growth projection for the metro is 14%, a healthy rate that signals sustained demand, particularly as the region's aging population continues to grow.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

While the median provides a benchmark, your earning potential will vary based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Longview market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Longview)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$82,000 - $90,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$92,000 - $105,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$103,000 - $118,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$110,000 - $130,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and national trends. Specialists (e.g., orthopedic, neurological, pediatric) and those in leadership roles (e.g., Clinic Director) can command salaries at the higher end of these brackets.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Longview's salary is competitive within the Texas landscape, especially when paired with its low cost of living.

City	Median PT Salary (Approx.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Takeaway
Longview	$96,240	88.4	Excellent balance of pay and affordability.
Dallas-Fort Worth	$98,500	101.8	Higher salary, but significantly higher living costs.
Austin	$100,200	105.5	Top-tier salary, but extreme housing costs.
Houston	$99,100	96.5	Slightly higher pay, but a much larger, more congested metro.
San Antonio	$95,800	92.1	Similar salary, comparable affordability.

Insider Tip: While Dallas and Austin offer marginally higher base salaries, the state income tax (which Texas doesn't have) is a wash. The real differentiator is housing. In Longview, you can rent a comfortable one-bedroom for under $1,000. In Austin, that same apartment would cost $1,500+. For a mid-career PT, this can mean a difference of thousands in disposable income annually.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after essentials. Longview's affordability makes the median salary of $96,240 go a long way.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Career PT

Let's model a monthly budget for a PT earning the median salary, living in a 1-bedroom apartment.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,020	$96,240 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes	$2,080	Federal, FICA (~26% effective rate)
Net Monthly Pay	$5,940	Take-home after taxes
Rent (1-BR avg)	$930	Citywide average
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, gas, internet
Groceries	$350	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Average for a reliable used car
Gas/Transport	$120	Longview is car-dependent
Health Insurance	$200	Employer-sponsored plan
Retirement (401k @ 5%)	$400	Pre-tax savings
Discretionary/Other	$2,340	Savings, entertainment, dining out, etc.

Monthly Surplus: ~$2,340

This healthy surplus allows for aggressive savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle expenses. For comparison, in Austin, a similar budget would likely have $0-$500 in discretionary funds after rent alone.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. With a median home price in Longview of approximately $240,000 (as of late 2023), a mid-career PT earning $96,240 is well within range.

• Down Payment (20%): $48,000. This is achievable with focused saving for 2-3 years from the monthly surplus.
• Monthly Mortgage Payment: At current rates (approx. 7%), a $192,000 loan (for a $240,000 home) would be around $1,280/month for principal and interest. With taxes and insurance, it might reach $1,500-$1,600/month. This is still a manageable portion of a mid-career PT's take-home pay.

Local Insight: The most competitive home markets are near the newer subdivisions in South Longview (near the mall) and in the established, leafy neighborhoods of Judson and Pine Tree. For a quieter, more rural feel with land, look to the nearby areas of Gladewater or Gilmer, which are within a 20-minute commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview's healthcare ecosystem is robust for its size. The job market is stable, with several major employers dominating the scene.

1. Christus Health Mother Frances Hospital Longview: The largest hospital in the city, part of a large Catholic health system. They have extensive inpatient and outpatient PT departments, including orthopedics, neurology, and sports medicine. Hiring Trend: They are consistently hiring for clinic and hospital roles, with a focus on therapists willing to work weekends or in acute care settings.

2. Longview Regional Medical Center: A competing hospital system with a strong local presence. Their outpatient rehab centers are significant employers. Hiring Trend: Often seeking PTs for their outpatient orthopedic and industrial rehab programs. They have a reputation for a strong team environment.

3. Select Physical Therapy (Git n' Fit): A national outpatient orthopedic chain with multiple clinics in the Longview area. They are a major employer for new graduates and mid-career PTs. Hiring Trend: High volume of hires, often with a focus on productivity and patient throughput. Good for gaining broad orthopedic experience.

4. Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Longview: Part of the massive Baylor Scott & White Health system, this clinic offers outpatient services. It's a key player for those seeking employment with a large, integrated system. Hiring Trend: Stable hiring, often looking for PTs with specialty interests (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab) to build out service lines.

5. Longview Independent School District (LISD): A major employer for school-based PTs. The district has over 13,000 students and a dedicated therapy department. Hiring Trend: Positions are competitive and typically follow the school calendar. They offer excellent benefits and a predictable schedule.

6. Gentiva Home Health: A large home health agency with a significant presence in East Texas. For PTs who prefer one-on-one patient care in a home setting. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for PTs who are self-motivated and have a reliable vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is a key benefit.

7. East Texas Orthopedics: A private, physician-owned orthopedic practice with an attached physical therapy department. This offers a more specialized, focused environment. Hiring Trend: They often hire PTs who have completed orthopedic residency or have a strong interest in sports medicine.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs are filled through networking. Longview has a tight-knit professional community. Join the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) East Texas district. Attend local meetings—this is where you'll hear about openings before they're widely advertised.

Getting Licensed in TX

The Texas State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners governs licensure. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

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

Costs (Estimate):

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
• TX JAM Fee: ~$50
• Initial License Application Fee: ~$220
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total: ~$805

Timeline:

• Post-Graduation: You can apply for a temporary permit to take the NPTE while your final transcripts are processed.
• Exam Scheduling: The NPTE can be taken up to 3 times in a 12-month period. Most candidates pass within 1-2 attempts.
• Processing: Once all exams are passed and documents submitted, license processing in Texas typically takes 4-8 weeks.

Action Step: Start your application on the Texas Physical Therapy Board website as soon as you graduate. The process is efficient if you have all your documents ready.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Your choice of neighborhood will depend on commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1-BR Estimate)	Best For
Judson/Pine Tree	Mature, established, tree-lined streets. 10-15 min commute to most hospitals/clinics.	$900 - $1,100	A quiet, residential feel with good schools. A classic East Texas neighborhood.
South Longview	More modern, near the Longview Mall and newer restaurants. 10-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,200	Younger professionals and those who want newer amenities and easy access to shopping.
Downtown Longview	Urban revitalization in progress. Walkable to some restaurants and parks. 5-10 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Those who enjoy a bit of city energy and want to be close to the action. Small apartment options.
University/UTT Area	Near Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Longview campus and the GLMA Arts Center. 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	A mix of students and professionals. More apartments and a slightly bohemian vibe.
Gladewater (15 min east)	Historic downtown with antique shops. More rural feel, larger lots. 20-25 min commute to Longview hospitals.	$750 - $950	Those seeking more space, a slower pace, and a small-town community feel.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Longview is minimal. A "bad" commute is 20 minutes. Don't stress about choosing the "perfect" location; your daily drive will be short and stress-free from most areas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Longview is an excellent place to build a career, not just hold a job.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Can command a 5-10% salary premium. In demand at orthopedic clinics and hospitals.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Higher demand due to stroke and TBI cases from regional trauma centers. Can add 7-12% to base salary.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A growing niche with little competition in the area. Therapists with this certification can set their own rates or be highly sought after by clinics and hospitals.
• School-Based PT: While the base may be similar to outpatient, the schedule (summers off, no weekends) and benefits (teacher retirement system) offer significant non-monetary value.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Expertise: Become the go-to person for a specialty (e.g., vestibular rehab, TMJ disorders).
2. Management: Move into a Clinic Director or Rehab Manager role at a hospital or large outpatient chain. This often adds a $10,000-$20,000 salary bump.
3. Private Practice: For the entrepreneurial, opening a cash-based practice (e.g., specializing in sports performance or pelvic health) can be lucrative, given the low overhead in Longview.

10-Year Outlook (14% Growth):
The projected 14% job growth is driven by:

• Aging Population: The Longview metro, like much of Texas, is aging, increasing demand for geriatric and post-surgical rehab.
• Chronic Disease Management: PT is increasingly central to managing conditions like diabetes and obesity, creating new roles.
• Outpatient Shift: Care is moving out of hospitals. Expect more jobs in private clinics, home health, and corporate wellness settings.

Insider Tip: The key to growth here is versatility. The PT who can treat a school-age athlete with a concussion, a post-op knee replacement, and an elderly patient with balance issues will be the most valuable. Don't pigeonhole yourself too early.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Longview is a pragmatic choice. It's not about flashy career ladders or a high-powered social scene; it's about building a stable, financially secure life while doing meaningful work in a supportive community.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living.	Limited cultural and entertainment options compared to major metros.
Strong, stable job market with diverse employers.	Summers are very hot and humid; winters are mild but can be rainy.
Short, stress-free commutes (typically <20 mins).	Car is essential; public transit is limited.
Tight-knit professional community for networking.	Fewer opportunities for ultra-specialized, niche research or academia.
Ideal for homeownership on a PT salary.	Social scene revolves around family, church, and outdoor activities.

Final Recommendation

Longview is an excellent choice for:

• New Graduates looking to pay down student debt quickly while gaining solid clinical experience.
• Mid-Career Professionals seeking a better work-life balance, affordability, and the ability to buy a home.
• Therapists with families who prioritize good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a slower pace of life.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hunting, fishing, and hiking in East Texas's piney woods.

Reconsider Longview if:

• You crave a bustling, 24/7 city environment with endless nightlife and cultural events.
• Your career goals are tied to cutting-edge medical research or teaching at a major university (though Texas A&M-Commerce has a presence).
• You are unwilling to drive a car as your primary mode of transport.

FAQs

1. I'm a new graduate. Will I find a job easily?
Yes. The 14% growth rate and stable employer base mean there is consistent demand. Be flexible on schedule (weekends/evenings) and consider starting in a high-volume outpatient clinic like Select Physical Therapy to build experience quickly.

2. How is the work-life balance for PTs in Longview?
Generally very good. The average commute is short, allowing more time for family and hobbies. Most outpatient clinics operate Monday-Friday, 8-5. Hospital and home health roles may require more flexibility. The overall culture is not a "hustle" culture; you can have a life outside of work.

3. What are the license renewal requirements in Texas?
You must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including 2 hours in ethics and 2 hours in Texas jurisprudence. This is manageable and can be done through online courses and state conferences.

4. Is Longview a good place to start a family?
Absolutely. The combination of affordable housing, low crime rates (for a city its size), good public schools (especially in the Judson and Pine Tree ISDs), and a community-focused atmosphere makes it very family-friendly.

5. How do Longview PTs typically find housing?
Most use online platforms like