Colorado Springs vs Lafayette: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,411▲ | $64,763 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.41▲ | $31.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,120 | $43,952▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,834 | $59,006▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,907▲ | $72,091 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,609 | $83,624▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Lafayette is $2,648 (4.09%). Colorado Springs's median is -4.04% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $42,489,Lafayette spans $39,672. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($66,938 effective) pays 8.53% more than Lafayette ($61,679 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,411/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,938)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,624)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Colorado Springs grew 17.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.1% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$55,990 (2019) → $65,620 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$65,035 (2024) → $63,042 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Colorado Springs or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Lafayette as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Colorado Springs vs Lafayette?
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