Gainesville vs Savannah: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Gainesville, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gainesville, GA | Savannah, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,294 | $103,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.34 | $49.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,540 | $80,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,054 | $89,171▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,987▲ | $109,294 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,436 | $133,167▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gainesville.
The salary gap between Gainesville and Savannah is $9,109 (9.66%). Savannah's median is -1.79% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gainesville spans $51,896,Savannah spans $52,254. Savannah 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, Savannah ($108,610 effective) pays 11.46% more than Gainesville ($97,445 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,403/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,167)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,610)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Gainesville grew 4.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Savannah over the same period.
Gainesville, GA
$87,850 (2019) → $92,030 (2025)
Savannah, GA
$78,360 (2019) → $100,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, GA
Savannah, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Gainesville or Savannah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gainesville and Savannah?
Should I relocate from Gainesville to Savannah as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Gainesville vs Savannah?
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