Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Florence, AL: $50,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Florence, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,779 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Florence's local price level (BEA RPP 84.8 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,869 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,330) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Florence, Alabama, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field can expect an initial annual salary of approximately $50,779. With the median annual salary for PTAs in the area set at $61,330, there is a noticeable gap for entry-level professionals, highlighting the challenges faced by newcomers. Over the first few years, there is potential for salary growth, as new graduates can work their way up through the percentiles, reaching $52,783 at the 25th percentile before potentially breaking into the median salary range. Given Florence’s current job market and projected growth rate of 2.73%, the area remains a viable option for those looking to start their careers in physical therapy, despite a somewhat lower starting salary in comparison to the national average of $70,247.
Career Earnings Timeline in Florence
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Florence, AL typically start between $50,779 and $52,783 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,422 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,330 — 12.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Alabama of $12,000 represents just 23.63% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($50,779/year) in Florence. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Florence
- 1Research the Florence market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $50,779 to $52,783, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Florence, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Florence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Florence's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Florence is $29,422 ( 57.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,779, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,201.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,240
2025 BLS Actual
$49,430
2026 Current Est.
$50,779
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,166 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Florence, AL grew 14.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,240 in 2019 to $49,430 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,166. New graduates entering the Florence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Florence
When considering employment opportunities in Florence, it's essential for recent graduates to understand which local employers are actively hiring new physical therapist assistants. Outpatient rehabilitation chains are particularly known for bringing on fresh graduates, while skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit despite recent reimbursement cuts that have affected pay rates. It can be beneficial for newcomers to further enhance their credentials, such as completing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. Additionally, aiming for advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can help new grads secure higher starting pay in Alabama. Strategic career planning during these critical first years is vital, especially in light of the 15% Medicare cuts that have impacted PTA compensation, particularly in settings reliant on Medicare. By gaining experience in outpatient settings, new physical therapist assistants in Florence can expect realistic salary increments as they move through their first three years in the profession.
More salary data for Florence, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Florence in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Florence?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Florence?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Florence?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Alabama?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Florence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov