Physical Therapist in Wichita Falls, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

As a Physical Therapist (PT) considering Wichita Falls, you're looking at a market that pays competitively against the national average but offers a significantly lower cost of living. Let's break down the numbers.

The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Wichita Falls is $96,389/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.34/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but the difference is more than offset by the local economic landscape. The metro area, with a population of 102,683, supports 205 jobs for PTs, indicating a stable, if not booming, demand. The 10-year job growth is projected at 14%, a solid figure that reflects both an aging population and increased awareness of preventative and rehabilitative care.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic experience-based breakdown. Note: These are estimates based on local market trends and national data patterns, as specific local experience tiers are not published.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Employers Hiring at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	Local outpatient clinics, smaller hospital systems, school districts
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$92,000 - $105,000	North Texas Regional Medical Center, large orthopedic groups, skilled nursing facilities
Senior (8-15 years)	$108,000 - $120,000	Management roles at clinics, lead PT in hospital departments, specialized outpatient centers
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$125,000+ (with bonuses)	Director of rehab services, clinical instructor roles, niche private practices (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab)

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:
Wichita Falls is not a high-cost market like Austin or Dallas, where salaries might be higher but rent can be 2-3 times more. For example:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median salary ~$102,000, but 1BR rent averages $1,400+.
• Austin: Median salary ~$103,000, but 1BR rent averages $1,650+.
• San Antonio: Median salary ~$98,000, with rent closer to $1,100.
  Wichita Falls offers a unique value proposition: a salary that provides a comfortable lifestyle and the ability to save or invest, thanks to a local Cost of Living Index of 88.9 (US avg = 100).

Insider Tip: Salaries in Wichita Falls are often more negotiable than in larger metro areas. Because the job pool (205 positions) is smaller, employers value retaining experienced PTs. If you have 5+ years of experience, you can often leverage competing offers from the few major employers to bump your starting salary by 5-10%.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. What does a $96,389 salary actually mean for your monthly budget in Wichita Falls?

Assumptions for a Single Filer (2024 Tax Brackets):

• Federal Income Tax: ~18-22% (after standard deduction)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): 7.65%
• Texas State Income Tax: 0% (a major advantage)
• Health Insurance Premiums (single): ~$200/month
• Retirement Savings (5% 401k): ~$400/month

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,800 - $6,100

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Median Take-Home Pay: $5,950
• Average 1BR Rent: $843
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transportation, Insurance, & Savings: ~$5,107

This leaves a substantial buffer. For a more detailed look, here’s a sample monthly budget for a single PT earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,950	After taxes, insurance, and 5% retirement
Rent (1BR)	$843	Citywide average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Highly dependent on season (A/C costs in summer)
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600 - $800	Wichita Falls is car-dependent; no public transit
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500
Dining & Entertainment	$300 - $400
Health & Fitness	$100 - $150	Gym memberships, etc.
Miscellaneous/Debt	$300 - $500	Student loans, personal care, etc.
Monthly Savings/Discretionary	$2,157 - $2,907

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. This is one of Wichita Falls's biggest draws for professionals. The median home price in the metro area hovers around $180,000 - $210,000. With a 20% down payment ($36,000 - $42,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,200 - $1,400. This is easily manageable on a $5,950 take-home pay, even if you factor in a higher rent for a nicer apartment while saving for the down payment. Many PTs in the area own homes within 2-3 years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The job market for PTs in Wichita Falls is anchored by a few key employers, with opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and long-term care. Hiring trends show a steady demand for PTs in both acute care and outpatient orthopedics, with a growing niche in home health and pediatric therapy.

1. North Texas Regional Medical Center (NTRMC): The largest hospital in the region. They have a full rehab department including inpatient PT, outpatient orthopedics, and sports medicine. They frequently hire for both new grads and experienced PTs. Insider Tip: NTRMC is the primary employer for hospital-based PTs; networking here is key.
2. United Regional Health Care System: Another major hospital system with a robust rehab services division. They offer a range of settings from acute care to outpatient. Their focus on community health creates stable, long-term employment.
3. Wichita Falls ISD (and surrounding districts): School districts hire PTs for special education programs, working with children from 3 to 21. This is a 9-month contract with summers off, appealing to some. Pay is competitive with the public school teacher salary schedule.
4. Select Medical / Select Physical Therapy: A national outpatient chain with a strong presence in Wichita Falls. They specialize in orthopedics and sports medicine. They are often the first stop for new grads and offer structured mentorship programs.
5. Local Private Practice & Orthopedic Groups: Look for practices like Wichita Falls Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or Red River Physical Therapy. These smaller clinics often provide a more personalized work environment and may offer profit-sharing or bonuses. They value experienced PTs for their patient referral networks.
6. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) & Home Health Agencies: Chains like Encompass Health and local agencies are constant employers. The work-life balance can be more predictable than in a hospital, but the pace is demanding. Home health PTs in Wichita Falls are in high demand due to the large senior population.
7. Covenant Health System: Operating clinics and providing services to nursing homes in the region, Covenant offers another avenue for outpatient and geriatric PT roles.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward outpatient and home health settings as the population ages and insurance models favor lower-cost settings. Acute care jobs are stable but less numerous. If you're a new grad, consider starting in a hospital for broad experience, then pivoting to outpatient or home health for higher earning potential and flexibility.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but regulated licensing process. You cannot practice without an active license from the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE).

Requirements:

1. Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited 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 (JAM), a state-specific law and ethics exam.
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.

Timeline & Costs (Estimates):

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
• Texas Jurisprudence Exam (JAM) Fee: ~$50
• Initial License Application Fee: ~$120
• Background Check Fee: ~$40
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$695 (plus travel if you need to take the NPTE at a Pearson VUE center).

Process Timeline:

1. After Graduation: Schedule the NPTE for the next available date (offered year-round). Study time: 2-4 months.
2. Pass NPTE: Apply for the Texas license immediately after passing. The application review can take 4-6 weeks.
3. Pass JAM: This can be taken any time, but it's best done after you've reviewed Texas-specific practice acts. It's an online exam.
4. Receive License: Once all steps are complete, the TBPTE issues your license. You can then actively job hunt.

Insider Tip: Start the application process for the Texas license before you move. If you're a recent grad from a Texas school, the process is even smoother. For out-of-state applicants, Texas has reciprocity with most states, but you must still meet all requirements. The total time from passing the NPTE to holding a Texas license can be as short as 8 weeks if you're organized.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Wichita Falls is a car-centric city, so your commute will depend more on traffic flow than distance. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods popular with young professionals and families, balancing lifestyle, rent, and proximity to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
Downtown / Historic District	Urban, walkable, growing arts scene. Trendy lofts and apartments. Close to coffee shops and local restaurants.	$950 - $1,200	~5-10 mins to NTRMC/United Regional. Central to everything.
Northside / Near NTRMC	Established, family-friendly, quiet. Older homes with character, good schools. Very convenient for hospital employees.	$800 - $1,000	~2-5 mins to NTRMC. 10-15 mins to downtown.
Southwest / Memorial Park Area	Suburban, newer developments, parks. Popular with families and young professionals. Good mix of apartments and single-family homes.	$850 - $1,100	~10-15 mins to most employers. Close to shopping centers.
Burkburnett / North of City	Small-town feel, lower crime, excellent public schools. More affordable housing, but a longer commute (15-20 mins).	$750 - $950	~15-25 mins to downtown hospitals. Popular for those seeking affordability and space.
Eastside / Near Midwestern State University	Academic environment, quieter, with students and faculty. More rental options near the university.	$700 - $900	~10-15 mins to downtown. Near MSU for potential adjunct roles.

Insider Tip: If you work at NTRMC or United Regional, living in the Northside or Downtown will give you a near-zero commute, which is a huge quality-of-life benefit. For a more suburban feel with amenities, Southwest is ideal. Avoid the immediate areas east of the main rail lines if you prefer a more suburban setting.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Wichita Falls offers solid long-term career paths, though it's not a major hub for cutting-edge research or highly competitive fellowships. Growth is more about specialization and leadership within the local system.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: The most common specialty. While it may not command a huge premium in salary here (compared to general outpatient), it opens doors to private practice ownership or lead therapist roles.
• Pediatrics: A growing need in school districts and outpatient clinics. PTs with a Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) credential can expect higher demand and potentially higher pay in school settings.
• Home Health: This is a high-growth area. PTs who are independent, organized, and skilled in communication can earn a premium, often via mileage reimbursement and productivity bonuses. It's a path to a very high effective hourly rate.
• Pelvic Health & Vestibular Rehab: These are emerging specialties in Wichita Falls. A PT who develops a niche here can become the go-to expert, allowing for private practice opportunities or commanding higher rates at clinics that offer these services.
• Leadership: The path to Director of Rehab or Clinic Manager typically requires 7-10 years of experience and a Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA) or similar. These roles at NTRMC or large outpatient chains can push salaries well into the $120,000+ range.

10-Year Outlook:
The 14% job growth is a strong indicator. Over the next decade, expect:

• Continued demand in home health and outpatient geriatrics due to the aging population.
• More integration of telehealth for initial evaluations and follow-ups, especially for home health and rural patients.
• Potential for niche clinics to open as the city grows and the population becomes more health-conscious.
• Stable hospital jobs, but with a focus on efficiency and patient throughput.

Insider Tip: To maximize your career in Wichita Falls, consider getting a specialty certification (OCS, SCS, PCS) and building a reputation through community involvement (e.g., volunteering at local marathons, giving talks at senior centers). This local networking is often more valuable than a national credential in a smaller market.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further. Homeownership is easily attainable.	Limited Cultural & Entertainment Options: Fewer concerts, museums, and fine dining compared to major metros.
Competitive Salary: $96,389 median is strong for the region and allows for a high quality of life.	Car-Dependent City: Public transportation is minimal; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Stable Job Market: 205 jobs and 10% growth provide security. Major employers are established.	Small Professional Network: Fewer PTs and fewer conferences/workshops locally.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is light; most commutes are under 15 minutes.	Slower Pace of Life: Can feel isolating if you thrive on constant action and anonymity.
Friendly, Community-Oriented Vibe: Easy to build a social and professional network.	Weather: Hot, dry summers and the occasional severe thunderstorm/tornado risk.
Proximity to Other Cities: Easy weekend trips to Dallas (2 hours) or Oklahoma City (2.5 hours).	Limited Specialized Services: You may need to travel to Dallas for certain medical or specialist needs.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle over a fast-paced, high-cost urban environment. It's ideal for:

• New Grads looking to pay down student debt quickly.
• Mid-Career PTs seeking a change of pace and a lower cost of living.
• Families wanting a safe community with good schools and affordable homes.
• PTs interested in home health or outpatient specialties who want to build a local reputation.

It may not be the best fit for those who crave the anonymity, cultural intensity, and endless networking opportunities of Dallas, Austin, or Houston. However, for those willing to embrace a community-focused lifestyle, Wichita Falls offers a compelling and financially rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Is there a high demand for Physical Therapists in Wichita Falls?
Yes, with 205 jobs in the metro and a projected 10-year growth of 14%, demand is stable and growing. The need is particularly strong in outpatient orthopedics, home health, and geriatrics.

2. How does the cost of living impact a PT's salary here?
It's a major advantage. With a Cost of Living Index of 88.9 and median 1BR rent of $843, a $96,389 salary provides a much higher disposable income and savings potential than the same salary in a high-cost metro area. Homeownership is very