Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Daytona Beach, FL: $47,946 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Daytona Beach, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,946 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daytona Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,565 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,189) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates looking to start their careers as physical therapist assistants in Daytona Beach can expect an entry-level salary around $47,946 in 2026. This figure marks a significant gap compared to the overall city median of $67,189, which illustrates the earning potential as professionals gain experience in the field. Starting salaries can grow progressively, with many new PTAs potentially reaching $59,096 within a few years as they enhance their skills and take on more responsibilities. Given that Daytona Beach has a steady demand for healthcare services, particularly in outpatient settings, it remains a favorable job market for fresh graduates eager to begin their professional journeys in physical therapy.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daytona Beach
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 Daytona Beach
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Daytona Beach, FL typically start between $47,946 and $59,096 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,740 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,189 — 4.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Florida of $16,000 represents just 33.37% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,946/year) in Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach
- 1Research the Daytona Beach market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,946 to $59,096, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daytona Beach, 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 Daytona Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Daytona Beach's moderate 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 Daytona Beach is $41,740 ( 87.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,946, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,686.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,695
2025 BLS Actual
$46,672
2026 Current Est.
$47,946
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Daytona Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,362 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,159 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,946 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,255 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Daytona Beach, FL grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,695 in 2019 to $46,672 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,255. New graduates entering the Daytona Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach
Certain healthcare facilities are more inclined to hire new grads in Daytona Beach, particularly outpatient clinics that actively seek entry-level physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also continue to recruit, although the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts have affected pay. New PTAs should ensure they possess the necessary credentials from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE exam, and obtain their state PTA license to enhance their job prospects. For those aiming for higher starting pay, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can be beneficial. In the first few years, realistic salary growth expectations should be tempered by the current economic landscape, but with hard work and continued education, PTAs can look to boost their earnings significantly while adhering to the supervision mandates by PTs as outlined by state laws and Medicare directives.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Daytona Beach in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Daytona Beach?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Daytona Beach?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Daytona Beach?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Florida?
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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 Daytona Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daytona Beach is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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