Ponce vs San Juan: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Ponce, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponce, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $29,124 | $31,158▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.00 | $14.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,439▲ | $23,073 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,124▲ | $26,206 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,021 | $37,024▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,374 | $68,942▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 560▲ |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between Ponce and San Juan is $2,034 (6.98%). San Juan's median is -55.65% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponce spans $41,935,San Juan spans $45,869. San Juan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($31,158/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,942)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Ponce grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.6% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Ponce, PR
$21,330 (2019) → $28,350 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$22,040 (2019) → $30,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Ponce or San Juan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ponce and San Juan?
Should I relocate from Ponce to San Juan as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Ponce vs San Juan?
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