Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tampa, FL: $34.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tampa, FL runs $34.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,086 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,244 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tampa, Florida, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $34.65, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $33.77. This pay scale reflects the vital role PTAs play in various healthcare settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. For part-time physical therapist assistants, working three days a week can yield a stable income, particularly attractive for those balancing additional commitments. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $29.23 and top earners reaching up to $40.46. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected for 2026, highlights the competitive nature of physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Tampa, providing context for both full-time and per-diem workers alike.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.23 | $233.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.00 | $248.03 |
| Median (P50) | $34.65 | $277.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.77 | $302.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.46 | $323.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tampa
Based on $34.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.65/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tampa, FL can expect to earn approximately $72,074 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,581. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,386.03 | $6,006 | $72,074 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $831.62 | $3,604 | $43,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $554.41 | $2,402 | $28,829 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tampa) | $34.65 |
| 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 Tampa, FL earn a median of $72,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.62% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% above the Florida state average of $69,986.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.65/hr = $43,244/year (purchasing power: $42,863).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,074/year (purchasing power: $71,438).
CoL index: 100.89 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tampa grew 7.1% from $31.48/hr (2019) to $33.73/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.60/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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Evaluating part-time opportunities, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week would generate a respectable annual income while still allowing for flexibility. Depending on their specific employer, part-time PTAs have the potential to earn a comfortable living, but this often comes with trade-offs, such as access to health insurance. For per-diem or contract PTAs, rates can vary between $32 and $48 per hour, depending on demand and location. Travel contract positions often pay between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, recent reimbursement cuts for Medicare-reliant facilities like skilled nursing facilities have introduced pay pressure, leading some employers to adjust rates. Hourly pay can differ widely based on the type of facility, with outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric settings offering distinct compensation frameworks. When negotiating, PTAs should consider leveraging their experience and understanding employer benefits, striking a balance between hourly rate and overall compensation.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tampa in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Tampa?
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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 Tampa. 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