Orlando vs Winter Haven: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Orlando, FL and Winter Haven, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Winter Haven, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,028▲ | $103,245 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.01▲ | $49.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,206▲ | $77,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,913▲ | $85,521 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,989 | $122,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,911 | $136,215▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,560▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winter Haven.
The salary gap between Orlando and Winter Haven is $783 (0.76%). Orlando's median is -1.20% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $42,705,Winter Haven spans $59,075. Winter Haven 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, Orlando ($102,574 effective) pays 0.14% more than Winter Haven ($102,426 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,028/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,574)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Winter Haven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,215)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Orlando grew 10.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Winter Haven over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$91,870 (2019) → $101,530 (2025)
Winter Haven, FL
$94,711 (2024) → $100,766 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Winter Haven, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Orlando or Winter Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Winter Haven?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Winter Haven as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Orlando vs Winter Haven?
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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