Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Clearwater, FL: $72,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Clearwater, FL earns a median $72,567/year (≈ $34.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $71,991 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, Florida, the projected median annual physical therapist assistant salary for 2026 is $72,567, slightly higher than the national median of $70,247. This figure represents a salary range from $47,855 at the 10th percentile to $99,858 at the 90th percentile, which highlights significant variability in compensation within the field. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, reflect the evolving impact of recent changes in Medicare reimbursement policies, especially the 15% cuts affecting outpatient and skilled nursing facility (SNF) settings. As healthcare dynamics shift, professionals in Clearwater are facing new challenges and opportunities in their compensation structures.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,855 | $23.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,936 | $29.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,567 | $34.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,415 | $41.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,858 | $48.01 |
Median Salary Position
3.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,003 (2026 est.). At $72,567, the local median is 3.3% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $72,567/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $69,978 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +3.30% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $72,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.30% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.70% above the Florida state average of $69,978.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,567 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,991 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,732
2025 BLS Actual
$70,639
2026 Current Est.
$72,567
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,732 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,745 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,201 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,844 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,197 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,642 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,639 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,549 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $60,732 (2019) to $70,639 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,549 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,817 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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) | $47,855 – $60,936 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,936 – $72,567 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,567 – $86,415 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,415 – $99,858 |
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 Clearwater
With only 19 physical therapist assistants employed in Clearwater, job outlook and competition within the local market are factors to consider. The cost of living in this area is slightly above the national average, with a CoL index of 100.8, which may influence the effective purchasing power of salaries. While outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, variables such as productivity expectations, weekend and PRN premiums, and the overall impact of Medicare cuts post-2022 help explain the disparities in compensation. To maximize earnings in Clearwater FL, physical therapist assistants may consider pursuing specialization or additional certifications and exploring employment opportunities with organizations that offer comprehensive benefits packages. Additionally, staying abreast of PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways could enhance future career prospects and salary potential in this changing landscape.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Clearwater, FL in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Clearwater?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Clearwater?
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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 $70,639 for physical therapist assistantsin the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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