PT Assistant Salary

Orlando vs Sebastian: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Orlando, FL and Sebastian, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Orlando, FL
$73,051
$35.12/hr
Sebastian, FL
$69,569
$33.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOrlando, FLSebastian, FL
Median Salary$73,051$69,569
Hourly Rate$35.12$33.45
Entry Level (P10)$61,474$60,755
25th Percentile$64,586$64,371
75th Percentile$77,674$74,911
Top Earner (P90)$82,780$80,489
Total Employed93080
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Orlando ($73,051) and Sebastian ($69,569) physical therapist assistant salaries.OrlandoSebastianMedian Salary$73,051$69,569Entry Level (P10)$61,474$60,755Top Earner (P90)$82,780$80,489US Median $70,247

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sebastian.

The salary gap between Orlando and Sebastian is $3,482 (5.01%). Orlando's median is +3.99% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $21,306,Sebastian spans $19,734. Orlando has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Orlando
P10 (Entry)$61,474
P25$64,586
Median$73,051
P75$77,674
P90 (Top)$82,780
Sebastian
P10 (Entry)$60,755
P25$64,371
Median$69,569
P75$74,911
P90 (Top)$80,489

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($72,030 effective) pays 1.79% more than Sebastian ($70,766 effective).

Orlando
Nominal: $73,051
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $72,030
Sebastian
Nominal: $69,569
CoL Index: 98.308
Adjusted: $70,766

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($73,051/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,780)
  • Larger job market (930 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,030)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Sebastian if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Orlando grew -3.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Sebastian over the same period.

Orlando, FL

+-3.1%

$73,370 (2019) → $71,110 (2025)

Sebastian, FL

+14.8%

$58,970 (2019) → $67,720 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Orlando or Sebastian?

Orlando has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $73,051/year, compared to Sebastian at $69,569/year — a difference of $3,482 (5.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Sebastian?

Orlando physical therapist assistants earn $35.12/hr while Sebastian hygienists earn $33.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Orlando to Sebastian as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Orlando and Sebastian. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Orlando = $72,030, Sebastian = $70,766), job availability (930 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Orlando vs Sebastian?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $61,474 in Orlando and $60,755 in Sebastian. The Orlando 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