Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Palm Coast, FL: $33.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Palm Coast, FL runs $33.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Palm Coast's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,001 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Palm Coast, Florida, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.65, which is just below the national median of $33.77. This hourly figure provides a solid income for professionals in various settings, from outpatient clinic gyms to skilled nursing facilities and home health visits. For part-time workers, commonly scheduled for three days a week, this rate translates to an appealing income structure, especially considering the flexibility many seek in this profession. Furthermore, the hourly range spans from $22.82 for entry-level positions to approximately $45.62 for top earners, highlighting the potential for growth as PTAs gain experience and pursue further certifications.
About the Palm Coast 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) | $22.82 | $182.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.67 | $229.38 |
| Median (P50) | $33.65 | $269.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.79 | $302.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.62 | $364.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Coast
Based on $33.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.65/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Coast, FL can expect to earn approximately $70,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,385. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Coast.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Coast
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,346.17 | $5,833 | $70,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.70 | $3,500 | $42,001 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.47 | $2,333 | $28,000 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Palm Coast) | $33.65 |
| 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 Palm Coast, FL earn a median of $69,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.36% lower than the national median of $70,247.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.65/hr = $42,001/year (purchasing power: $41,667).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,001/year (purchasing power: $69,445).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Palm Coast (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Palm Coast grew 16.3% from $28.17/hr (2019) to $32.76/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.57/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 Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast
Employment as a part-time physical therapist assistant allows for significant potential compared to full-time positions, with the chance to maximize earnings while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Specifically, for a 24-hour work week, a PTA might take home around $52,000 annually, a respectable figure that reflects the current market conditions in Palm Coast. As the demand for per diem physical therapist assistants continues to rise, many are finding attractive offers that range between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts bringing in substantial weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800. However, it’s essential to consider how hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or skilled nursing facilities. Some PTAs opt for higher-paying positions without benefits, weighing the trade-offs carefully. Negotiation skills can be vital in this context, empowering PTAs to pursue the best opportunities aligned with their financial needs and career goals in the ever-evolving field of physical therapy.
More salary data for Palm Coast, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Palm Coast in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Palm Coast?
Are physical therapist assistants in Palm Coast paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Palm Coast?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Palm Coast?
Related Pages
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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 Palm Coast. 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 Palm Coast 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