Melbourne vs Orlando: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Melbourne, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Melbourne, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,274 | $131,423▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.11 | $63.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,087▲ | $84,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,653▲ | $113,879 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,866▲ | $155,156 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,271 | $184,530▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,200▲ |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Melbourne.
The salary gap between Melbourne and Orlando is $149 (0.11%). Orlando's median is -6.39% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Melbourne spans $84,184,Orlando spans $99,746. Orlando has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Melbourne ($130,232 effective) pays 0.50% more than Orlando ($129,585 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,232)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,423/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,530)
- ✓Larger job market (1,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Melbourne grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Melbourne, FL
$122,514 (2024) → $127,056 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$110,030 (2019) → $127,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Melbourne, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Melbourne or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Melbourne and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Melbourne to Orlando as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Melbourne vs Orlando?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov