Orlando vs Panama City: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Orlando, FL and Panama City, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Panama City, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,051▲ | $66,138 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.12▲ | $31.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,474▲ | $54,026 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,586▲ | $61,895 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,674 | $82,862▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,780 | $85,615▲ |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Orlando and Panama City is $6,913 (10.45%). Orlando's median is +3.99% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $21,306,Panama City spans $31,589. Panama City 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 5.96% more than Panama City ($67,976 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,051/year)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,030)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Panama City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,615)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Orlando grew -3.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Panama City over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$73,370 (2019) → $71,110 (2025)
Panama City, FL
$55,120 (2019) → $64,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Orlando or Panama City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Panama City?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Panama City as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Orlando vs Panama City?
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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