Clearwater vs Orlando: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Clearwater, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,651▲ | $104,028 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.79▲ | $50.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,097 | $80,206▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,914 | $85,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,844▲ | $111,989 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,039▲ | $122,911 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 1,560▲ |
Verdict
Clearwater, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Orlando is $1,623 (1.56%). Clearwater's median is +0.34% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $70,942,Orlando spans $42,705. Clearwater 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, Clearwater ($104,813 effective) pays 2.18% more than Orlando ($102,574 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clearwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,651/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,039)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,813)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Clearwater grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$95,314 (2024) → $103,114 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$91,870 (2019) → $101,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Clearwater or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clearwater and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Clearwater to Orlando as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Clearwater vs Orlando?
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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