By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 26, 2026
Physical Therapy Degree and Career Guide
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Physical Therapist Salaries in Florida
Florida’s climate and large retiree population may make the state a top pick for PTs—and their salaries.
Florida is considered one of the top states for physical therapists to work, and several factors contribute to its appeal.
Florida has a large and growing population, including a significant number of older adults and retirees. This demographic shift leads to an increased demand for physical therapy services to address age-related conditions, rehabilitation and mobility issues.
The state’s warm climate and access to beaches and outdoor activities also make it an attractive place to live and work. Physical therapists can enjoy a high quality of life with a range of recreational opportunities.
In this Article
Quick view
There are 16,150 people employed as a physical therapist in Florida says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes Florida the third highest employer of PTs in the country and it’s easy to see why the state ranks so high. With its warm climate and large elderly population, active seniors—and Floridians of all ages—may require the services of a PT.
While the median wage per hour is $48 for the state overall, certain areas in Florida pay much higher that the national median. For example, The Villages, which is a large retiree area near Orlando, has a median annual salary of $104,100. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade for PTs is 10.9%.
Florida’s healthcare sector is extensive, offering numerous opportunities for physical therapists. The following are five of the largest employers of PTs in Florida:
- HCA Florida Healthcare, Multiple locations, FL.
- HCA Florida Healthcare is part of HCA Healthcare, a major national healthcare provider with multiple hospitals and medical centers across Florida. They offer diverse practice settings for PTs, including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers.
- AdventHealth, Altamonte Springs, FL:
- AdventHealth operates hospitals and medical facilities across Florida, with a strong presence in Central Florida, including the Orlando area. They offer a wide range of healthcare services, providing opportunities for PTs in various specializations and settings.
- Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and multiple locations, FL.
- Baptist Health South Florida is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the state, with hospitals, outpatient centers and specialized care facilities. They are based in the Miami area and offer a broad scope of services, including physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston and multiple locations, FL.
- Cleveland Clinic has a significant presence in Florida, particularly in the South Florida region. With facilities in Weston, West Palm Beach and other locations, they provide high-quality healthcare services and have opportunities for physical therapists in diverse practice areas.
- Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL.
- Mayo Clinic Florida is part of the renowned Mayo Clinic network. This facility offers a comprehensive range of medical services and attracts patients from across the country, creating opportunities for PTs in various specialized fields and practice settings.
These employers represent a mix of large healthcare systems, hospitals and medical centers, providing physical therapists with a variety of career opportunities across Florida. Each of these organizations offers different practice settings and specializations, allowing PTs to find roles that match their skills and interests.
Salary statistics at a glance for Florida
Florida registers on some of the BLS’ top 10 lists, and it’s easy to see why. Read on for some basic salary data for physical therapists in Florida.
Median PT salary in Florida
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physical therapists in Florida is around $98,880, which is just under the national median salary. Entry-level physical therapists may earn less, while experienced practitioners in high-demand areas can earn significantly more than the median.
Compare Florida’s median annual PT salary with the median national salary for physical therapists—which is is $101,020 a year—and you can see the state’s median is less than the country’s median, however several areas in Florida earn higher pay.
Physical Therapists
10%$60,430
25%$80,130
50%$98,880Median
75%$106,460
90%$123,700
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth10.9%
Total Employment17,050
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $108,280 | $77,050 | $125,030 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $106,040 | $81,720 | $123,700 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $102,790 | $71,780 | $134,940 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $102,250 | $69,980 | $132,480 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $101,640 | $76,000 | $133,580 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $101,070 | $72,010 | $128,700 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $100,740 | $76,880 | $118,700 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $100,110 | $75,790 | $125,470 |
| Gainesville, FL | $99,240 | $74,470 | $120,640 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $98,550 | $76,480 | $120,820 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries compare for fields that are similar to physical therapists:
Salary range for a physical therapist in Florida
The salary range for PT professionals in Florida typically spans from $60,430 for the lowest 10% in the field to $123,700 for the highest 10% in the field per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position. Florida, however, does not rank in the BLS’ top five paying states.
Pay by metro areas within Florida
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. As a rule, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas, but the cost of living is generally higher in cities, too. If your city is a tourism or retiree hub, such as Orlando, or you work in Miami or Jacksonville, which have several prestigious university hospitals and specialty hospitals, your pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S.
As you can see, California takes nine of the top 10 spots for highest pay, and Florida doesn’t make the list. However, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area does rank #5 for highest employment of PTs in the country. Take a look:
Salary growth and job outlook
The job growth outlook for physical therapists (PTs) in Florida is positive, driven by various factors that contribute to increased demand for physical therapy services.
For one, Florida has a large and growing population of older adults and retirees. This demographic trend leads to a higher demand for physical therapy services to address age-related conditions, rehabilitation and mobility issues.
Florida’s healthcare sector is also expanding, with new hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers being established across the state. This growth creates a steady demand for physical therapists in various practice settings.
The BLS anticipates faster than average growth for physical therapy in general:
10.9%
Job growth for physical therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
Factors that may affect physical therapist salaries in Florida
Several factors can influence the salary of physical therapists in Florida, for better and for worse. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about career paths, potential earnings and locations for practice within the state. Here are just a few factors specific to Florida to consider:
- Experience and education:
- With experience comes advanced skills and expertise, which can justify higher compensation. PTs who specialize in areas like orthopedics, geriatrics or neurology may also command higher salaries.
- Demand for geriatric services:
- Florida is known for its large retirement community, with a significant portion of the population over the age of 65. This demographic shift drives demand for geriatric-focused physical therapy services, increasing the need for skilled PTs. This high demand can lead to competitive salaries, especially for those with expertise in geriatric care.
- Type of employer:
- The presence of numerous retirement communities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and senior care centers creates a wide range of job opportunities for physical therapists. There’s also a significant demand for home health care services. Physical therapists who work for themselves or in this setting can often earn higher salaries due to the unique skills and flexibility required.
- Variations in cost of living:
- Florida’s cost of living varies by region, with cities like Miami and Tampa generally having higher costs than smaller towns. In areas with a higher cost of living, salaries for physical therapists tend to be higher to reflect the increased expenses.
- Specialization and certification:
- Physical therapists with advanced skills or certifications, particularly in areas like geriatrics, orthopedics or neurology, may earn higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and expertise. PTs who invest in continuing education and professional development often have better earning potential, as they bring additional skills and knowledge to their roles.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly in Florida?
If you believe your salary is unfair as a physical therapist in Florida, there are steps you can take to address the issue. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your options, including potential union representation and legal avenues:
- Research industry salary standards: Use industry salary tools for physical therapists in Florida. You can use salary survey websites, like Glassdoor or Payscale, to understand typical salary ranges for PTs. Organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) often publish salary surveys that can help you gauge whether your pay is in line with industry standards.
- Talk with your employer or HR department: Request a meeting with your supervisor or human resource representative to discuss your concerns. Present your case with data on industry salary standards and your contributions to the organization. Be willing to negotiate.
- Utilize legal options: If everything else fails but you have documentation that you are being paid unfairly, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). These agencies investigate claims of workplace discrimination and unfair employment practices.
- Use your professional network: Connect with other physical therapists in Florida through professional associations, conferences or online forums. Networking can provide insights into salary trends and help you understand how other PTs are addressing similar concerns.
Education and training
Obtain a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is typically required as a first step for admission to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. While there’s no specific major required at the bachelor’s level, degrees in health sciences, exercise science, kinesiology or biology are common.
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
You must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This program typically takes three years to complete and includes a set curriculum and clinical practice, along with clinical rotations for hands-on experience.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
After completing a DPT program, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This comprehensive exam exams consists of 225 multiple-choice questions covering the major areas of physical therapy.
Get licensed for Florida
After passing the NPTE, you must apply for a license with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice. This involves submitting an application, providing proof of education and paying applicable fees. The application process includes a background check and fingerprinting to ensure no criminal history or other disqualifying factors.
Meet additional state requirements
Florida requires applicants to pass a separate exam on Florida laws and rules related to physical therapy practice. This exam ensures that you are familiar with state-specific regulations and ethical guidelines. Some employers or facilities may require PTs to have malpractice insurance. While not a licensure requirement, it’s a consideration for practice in Florida.
Continuing education
Florida requires PTs to complete a specified number of CE hours during each renewal cycle. The current requirement is 24 hours of continuing education, including a mandatory course on preventing medical errors and two hours on the Florida Physical Therapy Laws and Rules.
Cost of living in Florida
The cost of living in Florida is 2% lower than the national average, says RentCafe. Though potentially high-employment cities such as Orlando register just at the national average for cost of living, and some other Tampa and Jacksonville register lower (4% and 7% lower, respectively), cities such as Fort lauderdale and Miami are much higher than the national average. Fort Lauderdale is 18% higher and Miami is 17% higher than the national average.
Other things to consider are:
- Housing:
- The cost of housing overall registers the same as the national average, but cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale tend to have higher rents and home prices compared to smaller towns and rural areas.
- Utilities and services:
- Check the average cost of utilities, including electricity, water, gas and internet. Utility costs can vary depending on the region and season. As a state, Florida averages 2% less than the national average, says RentCafe.
- Healthcare:
- Healthcare services such as wellness exams and dental checkups cost 5% lower in Florida compared to the national average. However, if you are a PT employed by a hospital or other healthcare facility, medical and dental insurance may be part of your benefits package.
Florida professional associations for PTs
These professional groups offer a variety of benefits to physical therapists in Florida, from networking and education to advocacy and support. Joining one or more of these groups can help PTs stay connected, up-to-date and engaged in the broader physical therapy community in Florida.
Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA): The Florida Physical Therapy Association is the state chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). FPTA serves as a professional network for PTs in Florida, providing resources for continuing education, advocacy on legislative issues affecting the physical therapy profession and opportunities for networking with peers.
Florida Home Health Physical Therapy Association: This group focuses on physical therapists who work in home health settings. FHHPTA provides resources and support for PTs specializing in home health care, offering opportunities for networking and continuing education specifically tailored to this area of practice.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Although a national organization, APTA has a strong presence in Florida. Joining APTA provides access to a wide range of resources, including research publications, professional development opportunities and networking events. APTA also has special interest sections and educational resources specific to physical therapists.
Therapy Network of Florida: This group brings together speech, occupational therapists and physical therapists, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. It provides a platform for PTs to network, share best practices and engage in continuing education that involves speech therapy, OT and PT perspectives.
This physical therapist salary guide for Florida aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.