Palm Coast vs Tampa: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Palm Coast, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Palm Coast, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,991 | $72,086▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.65 | $34.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,464 | $60,785▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,647 | $64,494▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,615▲ | $78,568 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,905▲ | $84,136 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,340▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Palm Coast.
The salary gap between Palm Coast and Tampa is $2,095 (2.99%). Tampa's median is +2.62% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palm Coast spans $47,441,Tampa spans $23,351. Palm Coast 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, Tampa ($71,450 effective) pays 2.90% more than Palm Coast ($69,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Palm Coast if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,905)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,086/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,450)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Palm Coast grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Palm Coast, FL
$66,529 (2024) → $68,131 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$65,480 (2019) → $70,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Coast, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Palm Coast or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Palm Coast and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Palm Coast to Tampa as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Palm Coast vs Tampa?
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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