Physical Therapist Pay

DeLand vs Orlando: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between DeLand, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

DeLand, FL
$99,445
$47.81/hr
Orlando, FL
$104,028
$50.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDeLand, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$99,445$104,028
Hourly Rate$47.81$50.01
Entry Level (P10)$80,956$80,206
25th Percentile$87,166$85,913
75th Percentile$117,440$111,989
Top Earner (P90)$129,365$122,911
Total Employed71,560
Side-by-side bar chart comparing DeLand ($99,445) and Orlando ($104,028) physical therapist salaries.DeLandOrlandoMedian Salary$99,445$104,028Entry Level (P10)$80,956$80,206Top Earner (P90)$129,365$122,911US Median $105,288

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to DeLand.

The salary gap between DeLand and Orlando is $4,583 (4.61%). Orlando's median is -1.20% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeLand spans $48,409,Orlando spans $42,705. DeLand has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

DeLand
P10 (Entry)$80,956
P25$87,166
Median$99,445
P75$117,440
P90 (Top)$129,365
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$80,206
P25$85,913
Median$104,028
P75$111,989
P90 (Top)$122,911

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($102,574 effective) pays 3.97% more than DeLand ($98,656 effective).

DeLand
Nominal: $99,445
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $98,656
Orlando
Nominal: $104,028
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $102,574

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose DeLand if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($129,365)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($104,028/year)
  • Larger job market (1,560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,574)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in DeLand grew 6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Orlando over the same period.

DeLand, FL

+6.8%

$90,899 (2024) → $97,057 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+10.5%

$91,870 (2019) → $101,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: DeLand or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median physical therapist salary at $104,028/year, compared to DeLand at $99,445/year — a difference of $4,583 (4.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between DeLand and Orlando?

DeLand physical therapists earn $47.81/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $50.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from DeLand to Orlando as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing DeLand and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: DeLand = $98,656, Orlando = $102,574), job availability (7 vs 1,560 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in DeLand vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,956 in DeLand and $80,206 in Orlando. The DeLand 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