Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Myers, FL: $35.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Fort Myers, FL runs $35.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Fort Myers's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Myers, Florida, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.46 in 2026, which exceeds the national hourly median of $33.77. This favorable wage means that part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, can earn a competitive income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem physical therapist assistants may find themselves looking at hourly rates ranging from approximately $24.04 to $48.08, depending on their experience and the specific setting they work in, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or pediatric therapy spaces. With various positions available, the entry-level pay provides a solid starting point, while experienced PTAs can command impressive rates, reflecting their skill and expertise.
About the Fort Myers 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) | $24.04 | $192.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.57 | $252.55 |
| Median (P50) | $35.46 | $283.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.83 | $318.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.08 | $384.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Myers
Based on $35.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.46/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Myers, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,762 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,555. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Myers.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Myers
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,418.50 | $6,147 | $73,762 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $851.10 | $3,688 | $44,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.40 | $2,459 | $29,505 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Fort Myers) | $35.46 |
| 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 Fort Myers, FL earn a median of $73,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.01% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 5.40% above the Florida state average of $69,989.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.46/hr = $44,257/year (purchasing power: $43,906).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,762/year (purchasing power: $73,176).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fort Myers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fort Myers grew 16.3% from $29.68/hr (2019) to $34.52/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.43/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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers
For those considering part-time work, a physical therapist assistant clocking in 24 hours a week can earn a robust income over time, adding up significantly compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem opportunities in Fort Myers typically see billing rates around $32 to $48 per hour, but rates for travel PTA contracts can escalate to between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. Despite the attractive hourly rates, PTAs working in skilled nursing facilities may experience diminished pay due to the 15% Medicare cut to services enacted in 2022. Each employer type presents a unique compensation scenario, with outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies often offering competitive pay complements to benefits, which may entice some professionals to accept slightly lower hourly wages. Negotiating pay effectively can yield better outcomes, especially as the PTA field transitions and adapts to changing healthcare realities in Fort Myers.
More salary data for Fort Myers, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fort Myers in 2026?
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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 Fort Myers. 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 Fort Myers 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