Physical Therapist Pay

Sebastian vs Tampa: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Sebastian, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Sebastian, FL
$103,372
$49.69/hr
Tampa, FL
$104,950
$50.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSebastian, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$103,372$104,950
Hourly Rate$49.69$50.46
Entry Level (P10)$79,745$82,204
25th Percentile$84,509$89,150
75th Percentile$108,874$109,366
Top Earner (P90)$121,651$123,659
Total Employed1602,350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sebastian ($103,372) and Tampa ($104,950) physical therapist salaries.SebastianTampaMedian Salary$103,372$104,950Entry Level (P10)$79,745$82,204Top Earner (P90)$121,651$123,659US Median $105,288

Verdict

Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sebastian.

The salary gap between Sebastian and Tampa is $1,578 (1.53%). Tampa's median is -0.32% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sebastian spans $41,906,Tampa spans $41,455. Sebastian has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Sebastian
P10 (Entry)$79,745
P25$84,509
Median$103,372
P75$108,874
P90 (Top)$121,651
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$82,204
P25$89,150
Median$104,950
P75$109,366
P90 (Top)$123,659

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sebastian ($105,151 effective) pays 1.08% more than Tampa ($104,024 effective).

Sebastian
Nominal: $103,372
CoL Index: 98.308
Adjusted: $105,151
Tampa
Nominal: $104,950
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $104,024

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Sebastian if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,151)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($104,950/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($123,659)
  • Larger job market (2,350 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Sebastian grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Sebastian, FL

+17.9%

$85,560 (2019) → $100,890 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+19.6%

$85,660 (2019) → $102,430 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Sebastian or Tampa?

Tampa has a higher median physical therapist salary at $104,950/year, compared to Sebastian at $103,372/year — a difference of $1,578 (1.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sebastian and Tampa?

Sebastian physical therapists earn $49.69/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $50.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sebastian to Tampa as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sebastian and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sebastian = $105,151, Tampa = $104,024), job availability (160 vs 2,350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Sebastian vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $79,745 in Sebastian and $82,204 in Tampa. The Tampa 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