PT Assistant Salary

Florence vs Phoenix: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Florence, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Florence, AZ
$65,153
$31.32/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$66,487
$31.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFlorence, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$65,153$66,487
Hourly Rate$31.32$31.97
Entry Level (P10)$45,146$37,147
25th Percentile$56,078$62,860
75th Percentile$73,191$79,944
Top Earner (P90)$85,221$82,061
Total Employed51,440
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Florence ($65,153) and Phoenix ($66,487) physical therapist assistant salaries.FlorencePhoenixMedian Salary$65,153$66,487Entry Level (P10)$45,146$37,147Top Earner (P90)$85,221$82,061US Median $70,247

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.

The salary gap between Florence and Phoenix is $1,334 (2.05%). Phoenix's median is -5.35% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Florence spans $40,075,Phoenix spans $44,914. Phoenix has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Florence
P10 (Entry)$45,146
P25$56,078
Median$65,153
P75$73,191
P90 (Top)$85,221
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$37,147
P25$62,860
Median$66,487
P75$79,944
P90 (Top)$82,061

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Florence ($66,145 effective) pays 2.78% more than Phoenix ($64,353 effective).

Florence
Nominal: $65,153
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $66,145
Phoenix
Nominal: $66,487
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $64,353

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Florence if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($85,221)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,145)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,487/year)
  • Larger job market (1,440 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Florence grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 81.3% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Florence, AZ

+-0.1%

$63,461 (2024) → $63,422 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+81.3%

$35,700 (2019) → $64,720 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Florence or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $66,487/year, compared to Florence at $65,153/year — a difference of $1,334 (2.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Florence and Phoenix?

Florence physical therapist assistants earn $31.32/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $31.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Florence to Phoenix as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Florence and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Florence = $66,145, Phoenix = $64,353), job availability (5 vs 1,440 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Florence vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $45,146 in Florence and $37,147 in Phoenix. The Florence area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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