Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Cape Coral, FL: $35.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Cape Coral, FL runs $35.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,041 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Cape Coral's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.3, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,821 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Coral, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.11 in 2026, which is above the national median of $33.77. This higher hourly rate is significant for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those operating in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. In this dynamic landscape, entry-level PTAs can expect to earn around $28.90 per hour, while seasoned professionals may command up to $43.80 per hour. This hourly data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures, reflects the diverse employment conditions within the region, providing insights crucial for those looking to enter this field.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.90 | $231.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.23 | $249.84 |
| Median (P50) | $35.11 | $280.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.16 | $297.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.80 | $350.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Coral
Based on $35.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.11/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Coral, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,136. With a cost-of-living index of 102.35 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cape Coral.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Coral
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.52 | $6,086 | $73,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.71 | $3,652 | $43,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.81 | $2,435 | $29,214 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Cape Coral) | $35.11 |
| 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 Cape Coral, FL earn a median of $73,041 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.98% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 4.40% above the Florida state average of $69,963.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.11/hr = $43,821/year (purchasing power: $42,815).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,035/year (purchasing power: $71,359).
CoL index: 102.349 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cape Coral (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cape Coral grew 16.0% from $29.47/hr (2019) to $34.18/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.07/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 Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral
For the PTA working part-time, committing to three days a week typically results in approximately 24 hours of work, netting around $27,465 annually, significantly lower than a full-time salary but offering flexibility that many value. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Cape Coral can range from $32 to $48 per hour, though factors like agency work can lead to premiums, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. However, recent Medicare cuts may influence this dynamic, with decreasing pay rates affecting staffing at these institutions. Each employer type, from outpatient orthopedics to school therapy programs, often offers different hourly rates, which might entice PTAs to make trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits or slightly lower rates with health coverage. When negotiating pay, PTAs should factor in not only the compensation itself but also the benefits package, especially as they chart their career paths in Cape Coral, FL.
More salary data for Cape Coral, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cape Coral in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Cape Coral?
Are physical therapist assistants in Cape Coral paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Cape Coral?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Coral?
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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 Cape Coral. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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