Mesa vs Yuma: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Mesa, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,165▲ | $63,292 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.81▲ | $30.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,265▲ | $31,887 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,742▲ | $35,565 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,525▲ | $71,582 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,534▲ | $75,281 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yuma.
The salary gap between Mesa and Yuma is $2,873 (4.54%). Mesa's median is -5.81% 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,Yuma spans $43,394. Yuma 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, Yuma ($68,272 effective) pays 1.64% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,165/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,534)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Yuma if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,272)
- ✓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 1.1% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$69,871 (2024) → $64,407 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$60,960 (2021) → $61,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Mesa or Yuma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Yuma?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Yuma as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Mesa vs Yuma?
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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