Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Winter Haven, FL: $33.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Winter Haven, FL runs $33.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Winter Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,578 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winter Haven, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $33.32 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate provides flexibility for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing those who choose to work three days a week to earn a substantial income while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. For those interested in agency or per diem roles, hourly rates can range from $23.15 for entry-level positions to $43.74 for the most experienced professionals in the field. Settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care provide varied employment opportunities where PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, closely following Medicare regulations and state laws.
About the Winter Haven 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) | $23.15 | $185.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.81 | $230.44 |
| Median (P50) | $33.32 | $266.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.56 | $308.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.74 | $349.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winter Haven
Based on $33.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.32/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winter Haven, FL can expect to earn approximately $69,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,978. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Winter Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winter Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,332.61 | $5,775 | $69,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $799.57 | $3,465 | $41,578 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.05 | $2,310 | $27,718 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Winter Haven) | $33.32 |
| 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 Winter Haven, FL earn a median of $69,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.37% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.00% below the Florida state average of $69,987.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.32/hr = $41,578/year (purchasing power: $41,248).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,296/year (purchasing power: $68,746).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Winter Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Winter Haven grew 16.3% from $27.88/hr (2019) to $32.43/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.22/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 Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven
Considering part-time employment, a physical therapist assistant in Winter Haven working 24 hours a week can take home approximately $41,600 annually, a respectable sum compared to a full-time salary. Per-diem opportunities, typically charging $32-$48 per hour, are appealing, especially given the recent adjustments to Medicare reimbursements that affected the financial landscape for PTAs, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. As agencies adjust to these changes, strategies around compensation can include exploring different employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or school therapy programs, where rates may vary significantly. PTAs in Winter Haven often face a choice between higher hourly wages without benefits or lower rates that offer health insurance. Negotiating salary effectively is crucial, with industry insights suggesting the importance of clear communication about salary expectations, particularly in response to the evolving demands and reimbursement structures influencing the profession.
More salary data for Winter Haven, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Winter Haven in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Winter Haven?
Are physical therapist assistants in Winter Haven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Winter Haven?
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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 Winter Haven. 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 Winter Haven 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