Melbourne vs Miami: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Melbourne, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Melbourne, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,766▲ | $103,351 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.89▲ | $49.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,956▲ | $61,855 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,271▲ | $84,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,116▲ | $110,349 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,649▲ | $128,444 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 4,950▲ |
Verdict
Melbourne, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami.
The salary gap between Melbourne and Miami is $415 (0.40%). Melbourne's median is -1.45% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Melbourne spans $55,693,Miami spans $66,589. Miami has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Melbourne ($102,942 effective) pays 13.70% more than Miami ($90,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,766/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,649)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,942)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Melbourne grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Miami over the same period.
Melbourne, FL
$94,949 (2024) → $101,275 (2025)
Miami, FL
$85,970 (2019) → $100,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Melbourne, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Melbourne or Miami?
What is the hourly rate difference between Melbourne and Miami?
Should I relocate from Melbourne to Miami as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Melbourne vs Miami?
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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.
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