Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Bradenton, FL: $33.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Bradenton, FL runs $33.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,771 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Bradenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Bradenton, Florida, can expect a median hourly pay of $33.54, slightly below the national median of $33.77. This hourly wage reflects the earning potential for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those engaged in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. With an hourly range going from $23.76 for entry-level positions to $43.39 for experienced professionals, there are ample opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to find a suitable work arrangement. The figures derive from 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026, which helps delineate the pay landscape for PTAs within Bradenton’s vibrant healthcare scene.
About the Bradenton Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.76 | $190.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.61 | $228.88 |
| Median (P50) | $33.54 | $268.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.43 | $307.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.39 | $347.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bradenton
Based on $33.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.54/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bradenton, FL can expect to earn approximately $69,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,250. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bradenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bradenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,341.65 | $5,814 | $69,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $804.99 | $3,488 | $41,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $536.66 | $2,326 | $27,906 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Bradenton) | $33.54 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bradenton, FL earn a median of $69,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.68% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% below the Florida state average of $69,981.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.54/hr = $41,860/year (purchasing power: $41,527).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,766/year (purchasing power: $69,212).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bradenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bradenton grew 16.3% from $28.07/hr (2019) to $32.65/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bradenton 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Bradenton
For part-time physical therapist assistants, working three days a week can yield significant earnings, with annual take-home pay reflecting their 24-hour work week. Those pursuing per diem positions in Bradenton can expect hourly pay ranging from $32 to $48, while travel contracts might offer between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, after the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022, salaries in skilled nursing facilities saw a decrease, influencing overall pay scales across various employer types. PTAs in outpatient orthopedic clinics, educational settings, or home health agencies often face trade-offs between higher hourly rates and the inclusion of benefits such as health insurance. To optimize earnings, negotiation is key; being informed about typical pay rates and having a clear understanding of one's worth in the local job market are essential strategies for success in securing better hourly pay within the field.
More salary data for Bradenton, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bradenton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Bradenton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Bradenton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Bradenton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bradenton?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Bradenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bradenton 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