Orlando vs Winter Haven: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Orlando, FL and Winter Haven, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Winter Haven, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,051▲ | $69,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.12▲ | $33.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,474▲ | $48,139 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,586▲ | $59,912 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,674 | $80,206▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,780 | $90,991▲ |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winter Haven.
The salary gap between Orlando and Winter Haven is $3,764 (5.43%). 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,Winter Haven spans $42,852. Winter Haven 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 4.79% more than Winter Haven ($68,737 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 Winter Haven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,991)
- ✓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 0.3% growth in Winter Haven over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$73,370 (2019) → $71,110 (2025)
Winter Haven, FL
$67,214 (2024) → $67,446 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Winter Haven, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Orlando or Winter Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Winter Haven?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Winter Haven as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Orlando vs Winter Haven?
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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