Physical Therapist Pay

Atlanta vs Brunswick: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Brunswick, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$105,985
$50.95/hr
Brunswick, GA
$105,800
$50.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GABrunswick, GA
Median Salary$105,985$105,800
Hourly Rate$50.95$50.87
Entry Level (P10)$83,279$81,937
25th Percentile$86,364$93,915
75th Percentile$123,628$125,770
Top Earner (P90)$135,350$130,175
Total Employed4,250100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($105,985) and Brunswick ($105,800) physical therapist salaries.AtlantaBrunswickMedian Salary$105,985$105,800Entry Level (P10)$83,279$81,937Top Earner (P90)$135,350$130,175US Median $105,288

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brunswick.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Brunswick is $185 (0.17%). Atlanta's median is +0.66% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $52,071,Brunswick spans $48,238. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$83,279
P25$86,364
Median$105,985
P75$123,628
P90 (Top)$135,350
Brunswick
P10 (Entry)$81,937
P25$93,915
Median$105,800
P75$125,770
P90 (Top)$130,175

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Brunswick ($120,628 effective) pays 13.88% more than Atlanta ($105,924 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $105,985
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $105,924
Brunswick
Nominal: $105,800
CoL Index: 87.708
Adjusted: $120,628

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,985/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($135,350)
  • Larger job market (4,250 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Brunswick if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,628)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Atlanta grew 19.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.0% growth in Brunswick over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+19.3%

$86,670 (2019) → $103,440 (2025)

Brunswick, GA

+-15.0%

$121,420 (2024) → $103,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Atlanta or Brunswick?

Atlanta has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,985/year, compared to Brunswick at $105,800/year — a difference of $185 (0.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Brunswick?

Atlanta physical therapists earn $50.95/hr while Brunswick hygienists earn $50.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Brunswick as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Brunswick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $105,924, Brunswick = $120,628), job availability (4,250 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Atlanta vs Brunswick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $83,279 in Atlanta and $81,937 in Brunswick. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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