Physical Therapist Pay

Atlanta vs Tucker: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Atlanta, GA
$105,985
$50.95/hr
Tucker, GA
$98,243
$47.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GATucker, GA
Median Salary$105,985$98,243
Hourly Rate$50.95$47.23
Entry Level (P10)$83,279$77,126
25th Percentile$86,364$83,699
75th Percentile$123,628$113,828
Top Earner (P90)$135,350$123,714
Total Employed4,2508
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($105,985) and Tucker ($98,243) physical therapist salaries.AtlantaTuckerMedian Salary$105,985$98,243Entry Level (P10)$83,279$77,126Top Earner (P90)$135,350$123,714US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Atlanta and Tucker is $7,742 (7.88%). 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,Tucker spans $46,588. 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
Tucker
P10 (Entry)$77,126
P25$83,699
Median$98,243
P75$113,828
P90 (Top)$123,714

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($105,924 effective) pays 0.38% more than Tucker ($105,524 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $105,985
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $105,924
Tucker
Nominal: $98,243
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $105,524

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,924)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Tucker if…

  • 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 17.8% growth in Tucker over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+19.3%

$86,670 (2019) → $103,440 (2025)

Tucker, GA

+17.8%

$81,378 (2024) → $95,884 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Atlanta or Tucker?

Atlanta has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,985/year, compared to Tucker at $98,243/year — a difference of $7,742 (7.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Tucker?

Atlanta physical therapists earn $50.95/hr while Tucker hygienists earn $47.23/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Tucker. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $105,924, Tucker = $105,524), job availability (4,250 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $83,279 in Atlanta and $77,126 in Tucker. 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