Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Plant City, FL: $66,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Plant City, FL earns a median $66,247/year (≈ $31.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Plant City's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $65,721 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected physical therapist assistant salary in Plant City for 2026 is $66,247, slightly below the national median of $70,247. This compensation falls within a salary range varying from $47,749 at the 10th percentile to $85,068 at the 90th percentile. These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, which are essential in understanding local market dynamics. Given the potential for significant lifetime earnings, many aspiring PTAs are increasingly considering pathways to transition to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, potentially enhancing their earning power long-term. The employment opportunities in Plant City reflect a growing sector, driven by an increasing need for physical rehabilitation services.
About the Plant City Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,749 | $22.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,589 | $28.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,247 | $31.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,942 | $36.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,068 | $40.90 |
Median Salary Position
5.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plant City
In Plant City, FL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,319 (2026 est.). At $66,247, the local median is 5.69% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Plant City: You'd be above the median
How Plant City Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Plant City median: $66,247/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plant City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $69,955 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.69% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Plant City, FL earn a median of $66,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.69% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.30% below the Florida state average of $69,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plant City has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plant City, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,247 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,721 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,443
2025 BLS Actual
$64,487
2026 Current Est.
$66,247
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Plant City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,443 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,432 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,056 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plant City metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,443 (2019) to $64,487 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,056 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,613 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plant City 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) | $47,749 – $58,589 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,589 – $66,247 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,247 – $75,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,942 – $85,068 |
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 Plant City
Despite a modest employment figure of seven physical therapist assistants in the area, the job market remains competitive, influenced by a cost-of-living index of 100.8, which slightly exceeds the national average. Employers in Plant City, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, typically offer the highest pay, reflecting the diverse settings where PTAs can work. The variance in pay can be attributed to different work environments, with hospitals often paying more due to higher productivity expectations and supervision requirements mandated by Medicare regulations. The 15% cut to Medicare reimbursement for PTA-provided services has also influenced wages, particularly in settings reliant on Medicare. To enhance earning potential, physical therapist assistants in Plant City should explore positions in high-paying environments, seek advanced certifications, and consider the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways to maximize their career trajectories.
More salary data for Plant City, 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 $64,487 for physical therapist assistantsin the Plant City 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 Plant City 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