Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Sunrise, FL: $48,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Sunrise, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,176 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sunrise's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,794 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,012) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Sunrise projected to be $48,176 in 2026, new graduates must have realistic expectations as they transition into their first roles in this competitive field. This starting pay is considerably lower than the city median of $68,012, highlighting a significant gap that entry-level professionals may face at the onset of their careers. However, as they gain experience, PTAs can expect their compensation to improve, potentially reaching $59,711 at the 25th percentile within a few years. Given Sunrise's stable job market for PTAs, new graduates entering the workforce now will find a variety of opportunities that can foster their professional growth and salary progression.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sunrise
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 Sunrise
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Sunrise, FL typically start between $48,176 and $59,711 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,162 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,012 — 3.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Florida of $16,000 represents just 33.21% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,176/year) in Sunrise. 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 Sunrise
- 1Research the Sunrise market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,176 to $59,711, 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 Sunrise, 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 Sunrise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sunrise'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 Sunrise is $40,162 ( 83.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,176, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,338.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,852
2025 BLS Actual
$46,896
2026 Current Est.
$48,176
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,357 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,064 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,491 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sunrise, FL grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,852 in 2019 to $46,896 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,491. New graduates entering the Sunrise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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 Sunrise
Employers in Sunrise generally lean towards outpatient clinics as primary hiring grounds for fresh physical therapist assistant graduates, although skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still seek new hires despite recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. Home health agencies often prefer candidates with some field experience, which poses a challenge for new graduates aiming to break into the field. Education and credentials play vital roles in enhancing starting pay; possessing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and passing the NPTAE exam are crucial. Additionally, applying for advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further distinguish candidates in the job market. As physical therapist assistants work under PT supervision per state laws and CMS regulations, entry-level professionals can expect steady salary growth in their initial years, particularly if they focus on acquiring valuable skills and certifications that align with industry demands.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Sunrise in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Sunrise?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Sunrise?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Sunrise?
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 Sunrise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sunrise 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