Jacksonville vs Jonesboro: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Jacksonville, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,538▲ | $64,412 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.02▲ | $30.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,542▲ | $39,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,895▲ | $50,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,805 | $82,266▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,583 | $83,283▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville and Jonesboro are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Jonesboro is $126 (0.20%). Jacksonville's median is -8.13% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $36,041,Jonesboro spans $44,143. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($75,006 effective) pays 0.99% more than Jacksonville ($74,267 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,538/year)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,283)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,006)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Jacksonville grew 30.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Jacksonville, AR
$48,312 (2024) → $62,823 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$59,130 (2019) → $62,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Jacksonville or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Jonesboro as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Jacksonville vs Jonesboro?
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