Fort Lauderdale vs Miami: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,850 | $103,351▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.97 | $49.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,997▲ | $61,855 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,345▲ | $84,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,845▲ | $110,349 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,381▲ | $128,444 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 4,950▲ |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Lauderdale.
The salary gap between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is $1,501 (1.47%). Miami's median is -1.84% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Lauderdale spans $59,384,Miami spans $66,589. Miami 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, Fort Lauderdale ($101,042 effective) pays 11.60% more than Miami ($90,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Lauderdale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,381)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,042)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,351/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Fort Lauderdale grew 6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Miami over the same period.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$93,307 (2024) → $99,405 (2025)
Miami, FL
$85,970 (2019) → $100,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Lauderdale and Miami?
Should I relocate from Fort Lauderdale to Miami as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fort Lauderdale vs Miami?
Related Comparisons
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