Tampa vs Winter Park: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Tampa, FL and Winter Park, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Winter Park, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,086▲ | $69,408 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.65▲ | $33.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,785▲ | $49,926 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,494▲ | $61,094 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,568 | $79,283▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,136 | $88,664▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,340▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winter Park.
The salary gap between Tampa and Winter Park is $2,678 (3.86%). 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 Tampa spans $23,351,Winter Park spans $38,738. Winter Park 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, Tampa ($71,450 effective) pays 3.77% more than Winter Park ($68,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Winter Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,664)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Tampa grew 7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.4% growth in Winter Park over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$65,480 (2019) → $70,170 (2025)
Winter Park, FL
$65,975 (2024) → $67,564 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Winter Park, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Tampa or Winter Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Winter Park?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Winter Park as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Tampa vs Winter Park?
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