Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bradenton, FL: $69,771 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Bradenton, FL earns a median $69,771/year (≈ $33.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Bradenton's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $69,217 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Bradenton, FL, can expect a median annual salary of $69,771, reflecting a slight dip when compared to the national median of $70,247. Salary figures for this profession show a range from $49,413 at the 10th percentile to $90,253 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for earnings variability. Estimates draw on 2025 BLS data and adjust for local economic factors, providing insight into how the unique demands of the job impact compensation. As Bradenton experiences growth in both population and healthcare needs, the productivity expectations of PTAs—especially in outpatient settings—will likely shape their earning potential significantly.
About the Bradenton Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,413 | $23.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,506 | $28.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,771 | $33.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,942 | $38.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,253 | $43.39 |
Median Salary Position
0.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bradenton
In Bradenton, FL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,840 (2026 est.). At $69,771, the local median is 0.68% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Bradenton: You'd be above the median
How Bradenton Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Bradenton median: $69,771/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bradenton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $69,981 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -0.68% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bradenton, FL earn a median of $69,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.68% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% below the Florida state average of $69,981.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bradenton has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bradenton, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,771 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,217 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,392
2025 BLS Actual
$67,917
2026 Current Est.
$69,771
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bradenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,392 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,917 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,771 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bradenton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $58,392 (2019) to $67,917 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,284 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bradenton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,413 – $59,506 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,506 – $69,771 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,771 – $79,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,942 – $90,253 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Bradenton
With 13 physical therapist assistants employed in the Bradenton area, the local job market is somewhat limited, which can influence wages. The area's cost-of-living index rests at 100.8, slightly above the national average, meaning that while salaries are competitive, they must also account for higher living expenses. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have been constrained by the Medicare 15% cut impacting reimbursement. Factors such as setting, productivity requirements, and weekend premiums further contribute to the salary spread. To maximize their earnings, physical therapist assistants should consider roles in outpatient and specialized settings, or explore advanced practice options, such as pursuing PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways. Understanding the intricacies of local demand and employer preferences can significantly enhance one's career trajectory in the physical therapist assistant pay market in Bradenton, FL.
More salary data for Bradenton, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,917 for physical therapist assistantsin the Bradenton metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bradenton 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