Phoenix vs San Tan Valley: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Phoenix, AZ and San Tan Valley, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | San Tan Valley, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,487 | $67,104▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.97 | $32.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,147 | $46,091▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,860▲ | $60,182 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,944▲ | $75,914 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,061 | $84,840▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,440▲ | 12 |
Verdict
San Tan Valley, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.
The salary gap between Phoenix and San Tan Valley is $617 (0.93%). San Tan Valley's median is -4.47% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $44,914,San Tan Valley spans $38,749. Phoenix 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, San Tan Valley ($68,126 effective) pays 5.86% more than Phoenix ($64,353 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose San Tan Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,104/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,840)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,126)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Phoenix grew 81.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in San Tan Valley over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$35,700 (2019) → $64,720 (2025)
San Tan Valley, AZ
$65,361 (2024) → $65,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
San Tan Valley, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Phoenix or San Tan Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and San Tan Valley?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to San Tan Valley as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Phoenix vs San Tan Valley?
Related Comparisons
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