Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Gainesville, FL: $33.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Gainesville, FL runs $33.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,093 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.7, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,052 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gainesville, Florida, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $33.70, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This competitive rate is significant for those considering part-time employment or per-diem opportunities across a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. The hourly compensation range for physical therapist assistants varies, starting at about $27.49 for entry-level positions and reaching approximately $41.08 for experienced practitioners. With 170 PTAs employed in the area, this reflected hourly pay aligns with the ongoing demand for skilled support within the physical therapy field, offering both flexibility and potential for advancement based on performance and experience.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.49 | $219.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.72 | $245.73 |
| Median (P50) | $33.70 | $269.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.74 | $293.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.08 | $328.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $33.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.70/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, FL can expect to earn approximately $70,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,435. With a cost-of-living index of 96.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,347.82 | $5,841 | $70,087 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.69 | $3,504 | $42,052 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.13 | $2,336 | $28,035 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Gainesville) | $33.70 |
| 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 Gainesville, FL earn a median of $70,093 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% above the Florida state average of $70,023.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.70/hr = $42,052/year (purchasing power: $43,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,087/year (purchasing power: $72,454).
CoL index: 96.733 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gainesville grew 13.1% from $28.99/hr (2019) to $32.80/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.62/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
Part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, would take home around $42,341 annually, which allows for a steady income while managing other commitments or pursuing further education in the field. For those considering per diem roles, pay typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, while travel PTA contracts can earn between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. Variability in earnings is influenced by the type of employer; outpatient orthopedic clinics and private practices typically offer different rates compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have been impacted by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. Due to these challenges, PTAs must negotiate carefully, weighing hourly rates against benefits. Tips for successful negotiations include understanding the specific needs of local employers and articulating how your unique skills can address those needs effectively.
More salary data for Gainesville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Gainesville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Gainesville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
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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 Gainesville. 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