Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in DeLand, FL: $51,584 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the DeLand, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,584 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out DeLand's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,175 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,865) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a physical therapist assistant in DeLand, FL, presents promising opportunities for new graduates. The entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in DeLand is projected to begin at around $51,584 in 2026. While this figure may initially seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $67,865 for the region, it sets up a growth trajectory that new professionals can anticipate. With experience, salaries are expected to increase, reaching the 25th percentile at $61,991 within a few years. This growth reflects broader regional demand, which suggests that DeLand is a relatively favorable market for new PTA graduates seeking career advancement.
About the DeLand Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in DeLand
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 DeLand
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in DeLand, FL typically start between $51,584 and $61,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,299 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,865 — 3.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Florida of $16,000 represents just 31.02% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($51,584/year) in DeLand. 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 DeLand
- 1Research the DeLand market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $51,584 to $61,991, 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 DeLand, 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 DeLand for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5DeLand'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 DeLand is $36,299 ( 70.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,584, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,883.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,175
2025 BLS Actual
$50,213
2026 Current Est.
$51,584
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in DeLand (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,175 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,586 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,203 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,576 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,213 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,584 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,992 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in DeLand, FL grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,175 in 2019 to $50,213 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,992. New graduates entering the DeLand job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeLand 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 DeLand
In the DeLand area, various employers typically hire entry-level physical therapist assistants, including outpatient clinics, which tend to be the most welcoming to recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may also recruit new hires, despite recent reimbursement challenges. For those looking to enhance their starting physical therapist assistant salary in DeLand, obtaining credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE exam, and securing a state PTA license will be essential. Additionally, with some facilities preferring candidates with 1-2 years of experience in home health, recent grads may benefit from seeking internships or volunteer positions. Graduates should be aware that due to recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services, particularly in SNFs, salaries may be compressed in these settings. Therefore, strategic planning during the first three years, including unlimited mentorship and potential pathways to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, may prove beneficial for career growth in a changing healthcare landscape.
More salary data for DeLand, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 DeLand. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeLand 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