Clearwater vs Orlando: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Clearwater, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,567 | $73,051▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.89 | $35.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,855 | $61,474▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,936 | $64,586▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,415▲ | $77,674 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,858▲ | $82,780 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Clearwater.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Orlando is $484 (0.67%). Orlando's median is +3.99% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $52,003,Orlando spans $21,306. Clearwater has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($72,030 effective) pays 0.05% more than Clearwater ($71,991 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clearwater if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,858)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,051/year)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,030)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Clearwater grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.1% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$67,642 (2024) → $70,639 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$73,370 (2019) → $71,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Clearwater or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clearwater and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Clearwater to Orlando as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Clearwater vs Orlando?
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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