Miami vs Palm Bay: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Miami, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,510 | $74,582▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.82 | $35.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,426 | $63,436▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,504▲ | $65,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,818 | $78,065▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,773 | $85,954▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,420▲ | 320 |
Verdict
Palm Bay, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami.
The salary gap between Miami and Palm Bay is $72 (0.10%). Palm Bay's median is +6.17% 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,Palm Bay spans $22,518. Palm Bay 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, Palm Bay ($74,578 effective) pays 14.26% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (3,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,582/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,954)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,578)
- ✓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 9.3% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Miami, FL
$61,330 (2019) → $72,530 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$66,450 (2019) → $72,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Miami or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Miami to Palm Bay as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Miami vs Palm Bay?
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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