Athens vs Savannah: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Athens, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Savannah, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,069▲ | $103,403 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.03▲ | $49.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,193 | $80,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,505 | $89,171▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,087▲ | $109,294 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,167 | $133,167 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Savannah.
The salary gap between Athens and Savannah is $666 (0.64%). Athens's median is -1.16% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $55,974,Savannah spans $52,254. Athens 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, Athens ($111,491 effective) pays 2.65% more than Savannah ($108,610 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,069/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,491)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Athens grew 36.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Savannah over the same period.
Athens, GA
$74,480 (2019) → $101,570 (2025)
Savannah, GA
$78,360 (2019) → $100,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Savannah, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Athens or Savannah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Savannah?
Should I relocate from Athens to Savannah as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Athens vs Savannah?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov