Healthcare Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Physician Assistant Salary in Houston, Texas

The median physician assistant salary in Houston, TX is $123,490 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$123,490
vs State Avg
+$5,041
vs National
$-2,520
Cost of Living
96%

Physician Assistant Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median physician assistant salary of $123,490, which is $5,041 above the Texas state average of $118,449. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physician assistants in Houston spans from $82,320 at the 10th percentile to $170,520 at the 90th percentile — a $88,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,240, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $158,760. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $86,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,480
$-2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,760
$-3,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $82,320
25th Percentile $103,880
Median (50th) $123,490
75th Percentile $147,980
90th Percentile $170,520

Physician Assistant Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$134,831
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$128,530
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$118,449
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$113,409
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Houston

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Houston and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Houston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Houston

Browse open physician assistant positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Houston

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Houston, Texas is $123,490 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $82,320 (10th percentile) to $170,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,490, a physician assistant in Houston earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Houston's median physician assistant salary of $123,490 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $118,449. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $123,490 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Houston? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Houston require a master's degree. Key skills include Clinical Assessment, Pharmacology, Surgical Assisting, Patient Communication. The job market is projected to grow 28% nationally over the next decade.