Physical Therapist Pay

Dothan vs Mobile: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Dothan, AL
$97,808
$47.02/hr
Mobile, AL
$96,599
$46.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDothan, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$97,808$96,599
Hourly Rate$47.02$46.45
Entry Level (P10)$75,585$78,034
25th Percentile$85,657$85,216
75th Percentile$138,157$105,257
Top Earner (P90)$154,346$127,747
Total Employed120240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dothan ($97,808) and Mobile ($96,599) physical therapist salaries.DothanMobileMedian Salary$97,808$96,599Entry Level (P10)$75,585$78,034Top Earner (P90)$154,346$127,747US Median $105,288

Verdict

Dothan, AL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mobile.

The salary gap between Dothan and Mobile is $1,209 (1.25%). Dothan's median is -7.10% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dothan spans $78,761,Mobile spans $49,713. Dothan has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dothan
P10 (Entry)$75,585
P25$85,657
Median$97,808
P75$138,157
P90 (Top)$154,346
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$78,034
P25$85,216
Median$96,599
P75$105,257
P90 (Top)$127,747

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dothan ($116,670 effective) pays 6.40% more than Mobile ($109,649 effective).

Dothan
Nominal: $97,808
CoL Index: 83.833
Adjusted: $116,670
Mobile
Nominal: $96,599
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $109,649

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dothan if…

  • Higher median salary ($97,808/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($154,346)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,670)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Dothan grew 7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Dothan, AL

+7.2%

$89,020 (2019) → $95,460 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+3.2%

$91,340 (2019) → $94,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Dothan or Mobile?

Dothan has a higher median physical therapist salary at $97,808/year, compared to Mobile at $96,599/year — a difference of $1,209 (1.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dothan and Mobile?

Dothan physical therapists earn $47.02/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $46.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dothan to Mobile as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dothan and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dothan = $116,670, Mobile = $109,649), job availability (120 vs 240 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Dothan vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $75,585 in Dothan and $78,034 in Mobile. The Mobile area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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