Orlando vs Sarasota: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Orlando, FL and Sarasota, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Sarasota, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,423 | $149,427▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.18 | $71.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,784 | $106,792▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,879 | $130,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,156 | $177,079▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,530 | $202,735▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,200▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Sarasota, FL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and Sarasota is $18,004 (13.70%). Sarasota's median is +6.44% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $99,746,Sarasota spans $95,943. Orlando 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, Sarasota ($148,241 effective) pays 14.40% 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 Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Sarasota if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,427/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,735)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,241)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Orlando grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Sarasota over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$110,030 (2019) → $127,200 (2025)
Sarasota, FL
$121,527 (2024) → $144,625 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Sarasota, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Orlando or Sarasota?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Sarasota?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Sarasota as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Orlando vs Sarasota?
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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