Healthcare Resource
How to Get a Physical Therapist License in Texas (2026)
In brief
Physical Therapist licensure in Texas 2026: PT Compact member, TX Executive Council of PT and OT Examiners, ~$125 fee, online jurisprudence, massive DFW and Houston PT markets.
Steps at a glance
Check PT Compact eligibility
Texas is a PT Compact member. Apply for Compact Privilege at PTCompact.com, typically 1-3 business days for qualifying applicants.
Submit NPTE verification
Request FSBPT score verification sent directly to the TX Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners.
Complete jurisprudence requirement
Texas requires an online jurisprudence exam specific to TX physical therapy law. Complete through the TX PT/OT Council portal.
Submit application and fees
Apply through the TX PT/OT Council online portal. Endorsement fee approximately $125.
Background check
Criminal background check required. Results typically 2-3 weeks.
In this article
Texas's PT licensing is managed by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, a joint board that handles both professions efficiently. As the second-largest state by population and a Compact member, Texas is one of the highest-volume PT job markets in the country. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex alone has more PT positions than many entire states. An online jurisprudence exam covering Texas law is required, but it's self-paced and can be completed before or during the endorsement process.
Texas PT license at a glance
- Issuing board: TX Executive Council of PT and OT Examiners
- PT Compact member: Yes
- Compact Privilege processing: 1-3 business days
- Endorsement processing: 4-6 weeks
- Application fee: ~$125
- Jurisprudence exam: Required (online)
PT Compact vs. full endorsement
Compact Privilege is the preferred path for travel PTs entering Texas, fast access to one of the country's largest PT job markets. Full endorsement from non-Compact states requires 4-6 weeks: complete the online Texas jurisprudence exam, apply through the TX PT/OT Council portal, submit FSBPT score verification, and pass a background check. Complete the jurisprudence exam as early as possible. It's a prerequisite that can delay processing if left until the end.
Texas PT compensation 2026
| Setting | Median Base | Sign-On Range |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient clinic | $76,000 | $4,000-$10,000 |
| Acute care hospital | $84,000 | $6,000-$15,000 |
| SNF / sub-acute rehab | $82,000 | $5,000-$12,000 |
| Home health | $86,000 | $6,000-$12,000 |
| Travel PT (13-week) | $96,000 + housing stipend | — |
Where PT demand is highest in Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth (highest volume in the state): Baylor Scott & White Health (the largest not-for-profit system in Texas), UT Southwestern Medical Center (Level I trauma, nationally ranked academic center), Texas Health Resources, and Methodist Health System all have large PT departments. Houston: Memorial Hermann Health System, HCA Houston Healthcare, Houston Methodist, and UTHealth Houston. San Antonio: Baptist Health System (Tenet), University Health, and CHRISTUS Health. Austin (fastest-growing): Ascension Seton, St. David's HealthCare, and an exploding outpatient private-practice market driven by population growth. No state income tax applies to all TX PT compensation.
Bottom line
Texas is one of the top two PT job markets in the country (alongside California) by sheer volume. No state income tax, strong salaries, and multiple major metros mean virtually every PT subspecialty and setting is available. The jurisprudence exam is the only notable friction point. For PTs seeking maximum career optionality, a Texas license is a high-value credential to hold.
Related: PT License Florida 2026.
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