Athens vs Columbus: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Athens, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,069▲ | $100,718 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.03▲ | $48.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,193▲ | $75,144 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,505 | $84,724▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,087 | $121,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,167▲ | $130,596 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Athens and Columbus is $3,351 (3.33%). Athens's median is -1.16% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $55,974,Columbus spans $55,452. Athens 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, Columbus ($112,791 effective) pays 1.17% more than Athens ($111,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,069/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,167)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,791)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Athens grew 36.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.1% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Athens, GA
$74,480 (2019) → $101,570 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$95,380 (2019) → $98,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Athens or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Athens to Columbus as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Athens vs Columbus?
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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