Tampa vs North Port: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Tampa, FL and North Port, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | North Port, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,950 | $106,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.46 | $51.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,204 | $83,085▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,150 | $95,616▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,366 | $117,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,659 | $132,235▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,350▲ | 680 |
Verdict
North Port, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and North Port is $1,629 (1.55%). North Port's median is +1.23% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $41,455,North Port spans $49,150. North Port 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, North Port ($104,064 effective) pays 0.04% more than Tampa ($104,024 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose North Port if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,235)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,064)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Tampa grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in North Port over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$85,660 (2019) → $102,430 (2025)
North Port, FL
$93,760 (2019) → $104,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Port, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Tampa or North Port?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and North Port?
Should I relocate from Tampa to North Port as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Tampa vs North Port?
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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