Atlanta vs Brookhaven: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Brookhaven, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Brookhaven, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,985▲ | $103,396 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.95▲ | $49.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,279▲ | $75,415 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,364▲ | $84,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,628▲ | $119,107 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,350 | $140,485▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,250▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookhaven.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Brookhaven is $2,589 (2.50%). Atlanta's median is +0.66% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $52,071,Brookhaven spans $65,070. Brookhaven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Brookhaven ($111,059 effective) pays 4.85% more than Atlanta ($105,924 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,985/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Brookhaven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,485)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,059)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Atlanta grew 19.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Brookhaven over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$86,670 (2019) → $103,440 (2025)
Brookhaven, GA
$85,647 (2024) → $100,914 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Brookhaven, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Atlanta or Brookhaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Brookhaven?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Brookhaven as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Atlanta vs Brookhaven?
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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