PT Assistant Salary

Haines City vs Orlando: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Haines City, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Haines City, FL
$67,898
$32.65/hr
Orlando, FL
$73,051
$35.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHaines City, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$67,898$73,051
Hourly Rate$32.65$35.12
Entry Level (P10)$46,349$61,474
25th Percentile$62,060$64,586
75th Percentile$75,774$77,674
Top Earner (P90)$87,989$82,780
Total Employed5930
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Haines City ($67,898) and Orlando ($73,051) physical therapist assistant salaries.Haines CityOrlandoMedian Salary$67,898$73,051Entry Level (P10)$46,349$61,474Top Earner (P90)$87,989$82,780US Median $70,247

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Haines City.

The salary gap between Haines City and Orlando is $5,153 (7.59%). 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 Haines City spans $41,640,Orlando spans $21,306. Haines City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Haines City
P10 (Entry)$46,349
P25$62,060
Median$67,898
P75$75,774
P90 (Top)$87,989
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$61,474
P25$64,586
Median$73,051
P75$77,674
P90 (Top)$82,780

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($72,030 effective) pays 6.93% more than Haines City ($67,359 effective).

Haines City
Nominal: $67,898
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $67,359
Orlando
Nominal: $73,051
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $72,030

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Haines City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($87,989)
  • 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 Haines City grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.1% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Haines City, FL

+2.4%

$64,540 (2024) → $66,094 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+-3.1%

$73,370 (2019) → $71,110 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Haines City or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $73,051/year, compared to Haines City at $67,898/year — a difference of $5,153 (7.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Haines City and Orlando?

Haines City physical therapist assistants earn $32.65/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $35.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Haines City to Orlando as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Haines City and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Haines City = $67,359, Orlando = $72,030), job availability (5 vs 930 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Haines City vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $46,349 in Haines City and $61,474 in Orlando. The Orlando area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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