Columbus vs Sandy Springs: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Columbus, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,114 | $78,272▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.83 | $37.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,545 | $53,120▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,721 | $66,924▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,287 | $89,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,187 | $101,576▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Sandy Springs is $14,158 (22.08%). 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 Columbus spans $54,642,Sandy Springs spans $48,456. Columbus 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, Sandy Springs ($84,073 effective) pays 17.09% more than Columbus ($71,799 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 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 Columbus grew 8.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$57,570 (2019) → $62,410 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$61,357 (2024) → $76,192 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Columbus or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Sandy Springs as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Columbus vs Sandy Springs?
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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