Estero vs Miami: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Estero, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Estero, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,436 | $74,510▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.90 | $35.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,537 | $63,426▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,043 | $67,504▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,590▲ | $74,818 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,566▲ | $81,773 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 3,420▲ |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Estero.
The salary gap between Estero and Miami is $6,074 (8.88%). Miami's median is +6.07% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Estero spans $42,029,Miami spans $18,347. Estero 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, Estero ($67,893 effective) pays 4.02% more than Miami ($65,271 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Estero if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,566)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,893)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,510/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Estero grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Miami over the same period.
Estero, FL
$65,051 (2024) → $66,617 (2025)
Miami, FL
$61,330 (2019) → $72,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Estero, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Estero or Miami?
What is the hourly rate difference between Estero and Miami?
Should I relocate from Estero to Miami as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Estero vs Miami?
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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