Miami vs Miami Gardens: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Miami, FL and Miami Gardens, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Miami Gardens, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,351▲ | $101,416 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.69▲ | $48.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,855 | $75,650▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,120 | $84,210▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,349 | $122,530▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,444 | $138,249▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,950▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami Gardens.
The salary gap between Miami and Miami Gardens is $1,935 (1.91%). 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 Miami spans $66,589,Miami Gardens spans $62,599. Miami 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, Miami Gardens ($100,611 effective) pays 11.13% 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 Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,351/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami Gardens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,249)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,611)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Miami grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Miami Gardens over the same period.
Miami, FL
$85,970 (2019) → $100,870 (2025)
Miami Gardens, FL
$92,701 (2024) → $98,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Miami Gardens, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Miami or Miami Gardens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Miami Gardens?
Should I relocate from Miami to Miami Gardens as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Miami vs Miami Gardens?
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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