Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in St. Petersburg, FL: $71,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in St. Petersburg, FL earns a median $71,696/year (≈ $34.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in St. Petersburg's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $71,127 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in St. Petersburg, Florida, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $71,696, slightly ahead of the national median of $70,247. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $50,072 and experienced professionals earning as much as $99,742. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. As productivity expectations in the field continue to rise, understanding how patient visits per day impact earnings becomes crucial for professionals navigating the local job market.
About the St. Petersburg Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,072 | $24.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,523 | $30.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,696 | $34.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,759 | $39.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,742 | $47.95 |
Median Salary Position
2.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, FL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,670 (2026 est.). At $71,696, the local median is 2.06% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Petersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Petersburg Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
St. Petersburg median: $71,696/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Petersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $70,016 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +2.06% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in St. Petersburg, FL earn a median of $71,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.06% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% above the Florida state average of $70,016.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Petersburg has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
St. Petersburg, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,696 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,127 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,003
2025 BLS Actual
$69,791
2026 Current Est.
$71,696
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in St. Petersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,791 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,654 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Petersburg metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $60,003 (2019) to $69,791 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,654 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,651 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Petersburg 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) | $50,072 – $62,523 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,523 – $71,696 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,696 – $82,759 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,759 – $99,742 |
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 St. Petersburg
The job market for physical therapist assistants in St. Petersburg remains robust, with approximately 42 professionals employed in the area. Given the cost-of-living index of 100.8, which is slightly above the national average, it's essential to consider how this affects net income and purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer the highest pay, but skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may lag due to the Medicare reimbursement cuts. Factors driving the pay disparity include the work setting, productivity targets, and specific employer policies on premiums for weekend work or part-time roles. For those looking to maximize their physical therapist assistant pay in St. Petersburg, pursuing opportunities in higher-paying clinics and maintaining a flexible schedule can enhance both earnings and job satisfaction in a competitive environment.
More salary data for St. Petersburg, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in St. Petersburg, FL in 2026?
Is St. Petersburg, FL a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in St. Petersburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in St. Petersburg?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in St. Petersburg?
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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 $69,791 for physical therapist assistantsin the St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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