Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Orlando, FL: $35.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Orlando, FL runs $35.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,051 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Orlando's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.4, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,834 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Orlando, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $35.12, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate enables part-time PTAs working three days a week across various settings—such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits—to earn a solid income while balancing their work and personal life. For those interested in per-diem roles, the hourly range for physical therapist assistants stretches from $29.56 for entry-level positions to around $39.80 for top earners. The earnings make this profession attractive across diverse environments, providing varying pay scales that reflect expertise and settings, as outlined by the 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.56 | $236.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.06 | $248.44 |
| Median (P50) | $35.12 | $280.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.34 | $298.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.80 | $318.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orlando
Based on $35.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.12/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orlando, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,148. With a cost-of-living index of 101.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orlando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orlando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.94 | $6,088 | $73,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.96 | $3,653 | $43,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.97 | $2,435 | $29,223 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Orlando) | $35.12 |
| 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 Orlando, FL earn a median of $73,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.99% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 4.40% above the Florida state average of $69,973.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.12/hr = $43,834/year (purchasing power: $43,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,057/year (purchasing power: $72,035).
CoL index: 101.418 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+2.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Orlando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Orlando grew -3.1% from $35.28/hr (2019) to $34.19/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.08/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 Orlando 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 Orlando
Examining part-time opportunities for physical therapist assistants in Orlando reveals potential annual earnings that differ when compared to full-time positions. A PTA working 24 hours weekly can take home around $43,584 each year, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In the per-diem space, physical therapist assistants often experience earning variability, with rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. Unfortunately, the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements has introduced pressure, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where premium pay has dipped post-2022. Hourly compensation can also fluctuate depending on the type of employer—outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer different rates than hospital inpatient rehabs or home health agencies. While some choose lower hourly wages for health insurance benefits, others opt for higher pay with no additional perks. In such a dynamic job market, PTAs in Orlando should consider negotiating rates that reflect their skills and the comprehensive picture of their compensation package.
More salary data for Orlando, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Orlando in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Orlando?
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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 Orlando. 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