Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Sanford, FL: $35.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Sanford, FL runs $35.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,492 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, Florida, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $35.81, which surpasses the national hourly median of $33.77 by a notable margin. This hourly wage affords a comfortable living for both full-time and part-time workers, allowing those on a three-day workweek to sustain a balanced lifestyle while working in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agency visits, and hospitals. The hourly pay range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $24.69 and experienced professionals earning as much as $45.66 per hour, highlighting the potential for growth and specialization within this critical healthcare role. These figures are derived from projected annual salary data, emphasizing the importance of considering hourly rates in understanding earning potential.
About the Sanford 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) | $24.69 | $197.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.93 | $247.46 |
| Median (P50) | $35.81 | $286.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.64 | $325.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.66 | $365.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $35.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.81/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, FL can expect to earn approximately $74,488 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,974. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,432.47 | $6,207 | $74,488 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $859.48 | $3,724 | $44,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $572.99 | $2,483 | $29,795 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Sanford) | $35.81 |
| 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 Sanford, FL earn a median of $74,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.40% above the Florida state average of $70,011.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.81/hr = $44,693/year (purchasing power: $44,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,488/year (purchasing power: $73,897).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Sanford grew 16.3% from $29.97/hr (2019) to $34.86/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.79/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours per week can realistically take home around $44,313 annually, which, while lower than a full-time salary, can still provide adequate financial support depending on their individual circumstances. Per diem positions often present unique earning opportunities, with rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour depending on the setting, while travel PTA contracts could yield weekly payments between $1,200 and $1,800. However, the landscape has shifted since the implementation of the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, affecting pay in skilled nursing facilities, often causing agency PTA rates to decline. Hourly rates also vary across different employer types in Sanford; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer competitive salaries while positions in educational or pediatric settings may emphasize benefits over pay. It’s crucial for PTAs to weigh their options carefully, especially regarding health insurance and additional benefits, while negotiating their compensation to reflect their value and experience in this essential profession.
More salary data for Sanford, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Sanford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Sanford?
Are physical therapist assistants in Sanford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Sanford?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sanford?
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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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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