Bradenton vs Tampa: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bradenton, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bradenton, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,332 | $104,950▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.16 | $50.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,355 | $82,204▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,189 | $89,150▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,507▲ | $109,366 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,597▲ | $123,659 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 2,350▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bradenton.
The salary gap between Bradenton and Tampa is $618 (0.59%). 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 Bradenton spans $56,242,Tampa spans $41,455. Bradenton 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, Tampa ($104,024 effective) pays 0.50% more than Bradenton ($103,504 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bradenton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,597)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,950/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,024)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bradenton grew 12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Bradenton, FL
$90,850 (2024) → $101,827 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$85,660 (2019) → $102,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bradenton, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bradenton or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bradenton and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Bradenton to Tampa as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bradenton vs Tampa?
Related Comparisons
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