PT Assistant Salary

Gadsden vs Mobile: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Gadsden, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gadsden, AL
$66,836
$32.13/hr
Mobile, AL
$63,107
$30.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGadsden, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$66,836$63,107
Hourly Rate$32.13$30.34
Entry Level (P10)$57,159$53,461
25th Percentile$58,566$56,728
75th Percentile$70,072$73,986
Top Earner (P90)$81,773$80,335
Total Employed160210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gadsden ($66,836) and Mobile ($63,107) physical therapist assistant salaries.GadsdenMobileMedian Salary$66,836$63,107Entry Level (P10)$57,159$53,461Top Earner (P90)$81,773$80,335US Median $70,247

Verdict

Gadsden, AL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mobile.

The salary gap between Gadsden and Mobile is $3,729 (5.91%). Gadsden's median is -4.86% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gadsden spans $24,614,Mobile spans $26,874. Mobile has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Gadsden
P10 (Entry)$57,159
P25$58,566
Median$66,836
P75$70,072
P90 (Top)$81,773
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$53,461
P25$56,728
Median$63,107
P75$73,986
P90 (Top)$80,335

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gadsden ($78,031 effective) pays 8.93% more than Mobile ($71,633 effective).

Gadsden
Nominal: $66,836
CoL Index: 85.653
Adjusted: $78,031
Mobile
Nominal: $63,107
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $71,633

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gadsden if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,836/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($81,773)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,031)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Gadsden grew 6.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Gadsden, AL

+6.1%

$61,340 (2019) → $65,060 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+4.1%

$59,020 (2019) → $61,430 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Gadsden or Mobile?

Gadsden has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $66,836/year, compared to Mobile at $63,107/year — a difference of $3,729 (5.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gadsden and Mobile?

Gadsden physical therapist assistants earn $32.13/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $30.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gadsden to Mobile as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gadsden and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gadsden = $78,031, Mobile = $71,633), job availability (160 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Gadsden vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $57,159 in Gadsden and $53,461 in Mobile. The Gadsden area offers higher starting salaries.
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