How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make in Florida in 2026?

A typical Physical Therapist in Florida earns about $48.58 per hour ($101,040 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $8,420 a month or $1,943 a week, calculated from the annual figure. These figures represent pay across the whole state, before taxes or benefits.

Florida's typical pay sits 2% below the national figure of $102,760, according to the same May 2025 data. That gap ranks Florida 26th out of 51 states and the District of Columbia for Physical Therapist pay. The state employs 16,290 Physical Therapists, compared with 267,330 nationwide, giving a sense of scale within the profession.

Entry-level positions in Florida typically offer around $35.40 an hour ($73,630 a year), according to the May 2025 wage data. Pay tends to move toward the state's typical figure of $48.58 an hour within the first few years on the job. New graduates often start in outpatient clinics or hospital settings before pay climbs closer to the typical range.

Experienced Physical Therapists in Florida often earn upwards of $51.69 an hour ($107,520 a year), with the top 10% of earners making over $59.08 an hour ($122,880 a year). That leaves a spread of $49,250 between entry-level and top pay. Setting, years of experience, and city all play a role in where an individual lands within that range.

Florida's Physical Therapist pay has risen steadily over the past decade, from $83,570 in 2015 to $101,040 in 2025. That's a gain of $17,470, or 21%, over ten years. The increase has been fairly steady year over year, with a notable jump between 2020 and 2021.

Nationally, Physical Therapist pay rose 22% over the same decade, putting Florida's growth almost in line with the rest of the country. For someone starting out now, this history shows pay has moved upward over time in Florida, though it doesn't guarantee future increases at the same pace. Past growth offers context, not a promise.

Pay runs highest in Marco Island and Naples, where Physical Therapists typically earn $105,440 a year ($50.69 an hour), about 4% above the state figure. Port St. Lucie follows closely at $105,240 a year, and Bradenton, Sarasota, and North Port pay $104,020. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Panama City pays the least among Florida's metro areas, at $92,690 a year ($44.56 an hour), a spread of $12,750 between the highest- and lowest-paying cities. Fort Lauderdale has the largest Physical Therapist workforce in the state, with 4,950 workers earning a typical $100,870 a year. Lower pay in places like Panama City usually tracks a lower cost of living.

Florida's neighbors show a mixed picture. Georgia pays Physical Therapists a typical $102,700 a year, about 2% above Florida's figure, while Alabama pays $97,290, about 4% below it. Someone weighing a move across state lines will find pay differs modestly among these three states. Physical therapy licensure can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby state, which can simplify a cross-border move.

Physical Therapists in Florida typically earn $101,040 a year ($48.58 an hour), a figure that has climbed 21% over the past decade. Pay varies by city and experience, from entry-level positions near $73,630 to top earners above $122,880. Readers considering a move to Florida should check the state licensing board for current requirements and review city-level pages for local pay figures before deciding where to work.