Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in North Lauderdale, FL: $67,898 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in North Lauderdale, FL earns a median $67,898/year (≈ $32.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in North Lauderdale's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $67,359 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in North Lauderdale, Florida, stands at $67,898, reflecting a slight variance from the national median of $70,247. Salaries in the area typically range from $46,349 at the lower end to $83,637 for those achieving the top 10% of earners. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, which has been adjusted for regional cost variations. Understanding the potential for growth, particularly through the PTA-to-DPT bridge, can enhance lifetime earning potential, as moving from a PTA to a Doctor of Physical Therapy often leads to higher salaries and expanded career opportunities. The job market for PTAs in North Lauderdale shows promise, particularly as demand continues to grow for rehabilitation services post-COVID-19.
About the North Lauderdale Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,349 | $22.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,060 | $29.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,898 | $32.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,876 | $36.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,637 | $40.21 |
Median Salary Position
3.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Lauderdale
In North Lauderdale, FL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,288 (2026 est.). At $67,898, the local median is 3.34% below the national median of $70,247.
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How North Lauderdale Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
North Lauderdale median: $67,898/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Lauderdale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $69,998 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -3.34% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in North Lauderdale, FL earn a median of $67,898 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.34% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% below the Florida state average of $69,998.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Lauderdale has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Lauderdale, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,898 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,359 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,825
2025 BLS Actual
$66,094
2026 Current Est.
$67,898
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in North Lauderdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,825 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,772 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,938 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,898 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,752 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Lauderdale metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $56,825 (2019) to $66,094 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,752 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,927 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Lauderdale 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) | $46,349 – $62,060 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,060 – $67,898 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,898 – $75,876 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,876 – $83,637 |
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 North Lauderdale
Despite having only seven physical therapist assistants employed in North Lauderdale, the local job market remains stable, with a cost-of-living index slightly above the national average at 100.8. This means that while salaries may seem lower compared to national data, the purchasing power for residents is relatively balanced. Specific employers, especially outpatient orthopedic clinics and large healthcare chains, may offer higher compensation than skilled nursing facilities, which have faced challenges due to the 15% Medicare cut in reimbursement for PTA services. Factors contributing to the salary range include the setting in which a PTA works, productivity expectations, and additional rewards for weekend or PRN shifts. For PTAs looking to maximize their earning potential, targeting outpatient settings and considering the transition to a DPT can be effective strategies in North Lauderdale's market.
More salary data for North Lauderdale, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in North Lauderdale, FL in 2026?
Is North Lauderdale, FL a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in North Lauderdale?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in North Lauderdale?
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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 $66,094 for physical therapist assistantsin the North Lauderdale 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 North Lauderdale 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