Dearborn Heights vs Detroit: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn Heights, MI | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,715 | $63,919▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15 | $30.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,449▲ | $30,028 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,386▲ | $40,383 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,382▲ | $66,569 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,938▲ | $82,687 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,880▲ |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.
The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Detroit is $1,204 (1.92%). Detroit's median is -9.01% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $42,489,Detroit spans $52,659. Detroit 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, Dearborn Heights ($67,291 effective) pays 5.59% more than Detroit ($63,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,938)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,291)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,919/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Detroit over the same period.
Dearborn Heights, MI
$57,739 (2024) → $61,048 (2025)
Detroit, MI
$54,030 (2019) → $62,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn Heights, MI
Detroit, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Dearborn Heights or Detroit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Detroit?
Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Detroit as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Dearborn Heights vs Detroit?
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