Detroit vs Bay City: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Detroit, MI and Bay City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Bay City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,919▲ | $60,580 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.74▲ | $29.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,028 | $50,903▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,383 | $55,567▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,569▲ | $63,682 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,687▲ | $76,452 |
| Total Employed | 1,880▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bay City.
The salary gap between Detroit and Bay City is $3,339 (5.51%). Detroit's median is -9.01% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $52,659,Bay City spans $25,549. Detroit 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, Bay City ($65,904 effective) pays 3.41% more than Detroit ($63,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,687)
- ✓Larger job market (1,880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Bay City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,904)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Detroit grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Bay City over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$54,030 (2019) → $62,220 (2025)
Bay City, MI
$50,720 (2019) → $58,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Bay City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Detroit or Bay City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Bay City?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Bay City as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Detroit vs Bay City?
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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