Mesa vs Peoria: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Mesa, AZ and Peoria, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Peoria, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,165 | $68,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.81 | $32.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,265▲ | $45,538 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,742▲ | $57,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,525 | $77,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,534 | $94,410▲ |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Peoria, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Mesa and Peoria is $2,047 (3.09%). Peoria's median is -2.90% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $41,269,Peoria spans $48,872. Peoria 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, Peoria ($69,251 effective) pays 3.09% more than Mesa ($67,173 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,410)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,251)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Mesa grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$69,871 (2024) → $64,407 (2025)
Peoria, AZ
$66,440 (2024) → $66,399 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Mesa or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Peoria as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Mesa vs Peoria?
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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