Miami vs Orlando: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Miami, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,510▲ | $73,051 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.82▲ | $35.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,426▲ | $61,474 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,504▲ | $64,586 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,818 | $77,674▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,773 | $82,780▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,420▲ | 930 |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Miami and Orlando is $1,459 (2.00%). Miami's median is +6.07% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $18,347,Orlando spans $21,306. Orlando 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, Orlando ($72,030 effective) pays 10.35% more than Miami ($65,271 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,510/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,780)
- ✓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 Miami grew 18.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.1% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Miami, FL
$61,330 (2019) → $72,530 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$73,370 (2019) → $71,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Miami or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Miami to Orlando as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Miami vs Orlando?
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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