Peoria vs Tucson: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Peoria, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,212▲ | $67,001 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.79▲ | $32.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,538 | $45,972▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,700 | $59,440▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,630▲ | $76,287 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,410▲ | $80,838 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Peoria and Tucson is $1,211 (1.81%). Peoria's median is -2.90% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $48,872,Tucson spans $34,866. Peoria 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, Peoria ($69,251 effective) pays 0.15% more than Tucson ($69,147 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,410)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,251)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Peoria grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 87.3% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Peoria, AZ
$66,440 (2024) → $66,399 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$34,830 (2019) → $65,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Peoria or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Tucson as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Peoria vs Tucson?
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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