Physical Therapist Pay

Gadsden vs Mobile: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Gadsden, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gadsden, AL
$109,345
$52.57/hr
Mobile, AL
$96,599
$46.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGadsden, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$109,345$96,599
Hourly Rate$52.57$46.45
Entry Level (P10)$78,413$78,034
25th Percentile$83,864$85,216
75th Percentile$109,345$105,257
Top Earner (P90)$146,917$127,747
Total Employed100240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gadsden ($109,345) and Mobile ($96,599) physical therapist salaries.GadsdenMobileMedian Salary$109,345$96,599Entry Level (P10)$78,413$78,034Top Earner (P90)$146,917$127,747US Median $105,288

Verdict

Gadsden, AL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mobile.

The salary gap between Gadsden and Mobile is $12,746 (13.19%). Gadsden's median is +3.85% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gadsden spans $68,504,Mobile spans $49,713. Gadsden has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gadsden
P10 (Entry)$78,413
P25$83,864
Median$109,345
P75$109,345
P90 (Top)$146,917
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$78,034
P25$85,216
Median$96,599
P75$105,257
P90 (Top)$127,747

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gadsden ($127,660 effective) pays 16.43% more than Mobile ($109,649 effective).

Gadsden
Nominal: $109,345
CoL Index: 85.653
Adjusted: $127,660
Mobile
Nominal: $96,599
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $109,649

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gadsden if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,345/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($146,917)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,660)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Gadsden grew 7.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Gadsden, AL

+7.4%

$99,330 (2019) → $106,720 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+3.2%

$91,340 (2019) → $94,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Gadsden or Mobile?

Gadsden has a higher median physical therapist salary at $109,345/year, compared to Mobile at $96,599/year — a difference of $12,746 (13.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gadsden and Mobile?

Gadsden physical therapists earn $52.57/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $46.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gadsden to Mobile as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gadsden and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gadsden = $127,660, Mobile = $109,649), job availability (100 vs 240 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Gadsden vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $78,413 in Gadsden and $78,034 in Mobile. The Gadsden area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

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