Mount Vernon vs Rochester: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Mount Vernon, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mount Vernon, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,260▲ | $60,806 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.94▲ | $29.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,551 | $50,954▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,292 | $58,053▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,164▲ | $63,826 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,585▲ | $71,634 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Mount Vernon, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Mount Vernon and Rochester is $1,454 (2.39%). Mount Vernon's median is -11.37% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mount Vernon spans $42,034,Rochester spans $20,680. Mount Vernon 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, Rochester ($62,664 effective) pays 16.65% more than Mount Vernon ($53,719 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,585)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,664)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Mount Vernon grew -22.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Mount Vernon, NY
$78,289 (2024) → $60,605 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$52,390 (2019) → $59,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mount Vernon, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Mount Vernon or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mount Vernon and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Mount Vernon to Rochester as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Mount Vernon vs Rochester?
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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