Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Palm Coast, FL: $47,464 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Palm Coast, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,464 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Palm Coast's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,087 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,991) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Palm Coast offers a unique entry point for new physical therapist assistants, with starting salaries positioned around $47,464. This figure falls notably below the city median of $69,991, indicating a clear gap between entry-level pay and what experienced professionals can earn. However, newcomers can anticipate a promising growth trajectory within their first few years; as they gain experience and potentially advance to the 25th percentile salary of $59,647, they can strategically work toward the median through dedication and skill enhancement. With a projected growth rate of 2.73% annually for the industry, Palm Coast seems to be a supportive market for recent graduates aiming to establish their careers.
About the Palm Coast Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Palm Coast
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 Palm Coast
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Palm Coast, FL typically start between $47,464 and $59,647 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,441 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,991 — 0.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Florida of $16,000 represents just 33.71% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,464/year) in Palm Coast. 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 Palm Coast
- 1Research the Palm Coast market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,464 to $59,647, 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 Palm Coast, 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 Palm Coast for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Palm Coast'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 Palm Coast is $47,441 ( 99.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,464, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,905.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,366
2025 BLS Actual
$46,203
2026 Current Est.
$47,464
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Palm Coast (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,464 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,760 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Palm Coast, FL grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,366 in 2019 to $46,203 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,760. New graduates entering the Palm Coast job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast
In terms of employment opportunities, outpatient clinics represent the primary hiring sector for recent PTA graduates in Palm Coast. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit, despite significant reimbursement cuts impacting their budgets; however, these settings might prioritize candidates with some experience. New graduates can improve their starting pay in Florida by holding a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, passing the NPTAE, and obtaining the necessary state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further distinguish them from other candidates. During the first three years, salary growth expectations are realistic, especially within practices adhering to PT supervision per state law. Be mindful that the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has influenced pay structures, particularly in the Medicare-centric environments like SNFs, thus creating a competitive edge for those who adapt quickly to the evolving market conditions in Palm Coast.
More salary data for Palm Coast, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Palm Coast in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Palm Coast?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Palm Coast?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Palm Coast?
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 Palm Coast. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Palm Coast 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