Augusta vs Sandy Springs: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Augusta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,217 | $78,272▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.87 | $37.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,089 | $53,120▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,522 | $66,924▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,708 | $89,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,920 | $101,576▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Sandy Springs is $14,055 (21.89%). Sandy Springs's median is +11.42% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $44,831,Sandy Springs spans $48,456. Sandy Springs 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, Sandy Springs ($84,073 effective) pays 20.32% more than Augusta ($69,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,272/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,576)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,073)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Augusta grew 13.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$55,030 (2019) → $62,510 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$61,357 (2024) → $76,192 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Augusta or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Sandy Springs as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Augusta vs Sandy Springs?
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