Albany vs Atlanta: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Albany, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,460 | $76,770▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.43 | $36.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,737▲ | $44,585 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,779▲ | $60,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,594 | $83,550▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,753 | $92,056▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,370▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Atlanta is $9,310 (13.80%). Atlanta's median is +9.29% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $41,016,Atlanta spans $47,471. Atlanta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($76,725 effective) pays 5.89% more than Albany ($72,460 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,770/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,056)
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,725)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Albany grew -7.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Albany, GA
$71,020 (2022) → $65,667 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$56,820 (2019) → $74,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Albany or Atlanta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Atlanta?
Should I relocate from Albany to Atlanta as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Albany vs Atlanta?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov