Mesa vs Prescott: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Mesa, AZ and Prescott, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Prescott, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,165 | $69,821▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.81 | $33.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,265 | $52,499▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,742 | $63,356▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,525 | $80,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,534 | $89,744▲ |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Prescott, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Mesa and Prescott is $3,656 (5.53%). Prescott's median is -0.61% 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,Prescott spans $37,245. Mesa 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, Prescott ($70,884 effective) pays 5.53% 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 Prescott if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,821/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,744)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,884)
- ✓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 17.2% growth in Prescott over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$69,871 (2024) → $64,407 (2025)
Prescott, AZ
$58,000 (2019) → $67,966 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prescott, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Mesa or Prescott?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Prescott?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Prescott as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Mesa vs Prescott?
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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