Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Jacksonville, FL: $82,624 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Jacksonville, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,624 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 99.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,053 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,614) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Jacksonville, FL, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to be around $82,624 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the local salary spectrum, where the median annual salary overall reaches $102,614. New therapists can expect a gradual upward trajectory in earnings during the initial years, as they move from entry-level positions towards the median salary. With a projected growth rate of 2.46%, those beginning their careers can aim for a reasonable increase as they acquire experience and specialized skills. Compared to the national median salary of $105,288, Jacksonville's entry-level pay may seem slightly lower but remains competitive given the relatively low cost of living index in the area, making it an attractive market for new professionals.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
Entry-level physical therapists in Jacksonville, FL typically start between $82,624 and $86,302 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,614 — 2.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Florida of $100,000 represents just 121.03% of the starting physical therapist pay ($82,624/year) in Jacksonville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $82,624 to $86,302, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Jacksonville is $40,789 ( 49.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,624, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,413.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,380
2025 BLS Actual
$80,640
2026 Current Est.
$82,624
2019–2027 Growth
+47.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,624 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,656 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, FL grew 40.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,380 in 2019 to $80,640 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,656. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Jacksonville
Looking at the job landscape, Jacksonville offers several promising career paths for recent graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Select Medical, actively recruit new DPT graduates and often provide structured productivity ramps to help ease the transition into full-time roles. Additionally, hospital systems may offer residency programs that lead to board certification, enhancing career prospects and starting pay. Skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare tend to provide higher initial salaries, making them an appealing option for those seeking better compensation. To boost earning potential, recent graduates should prioritize obtaining a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and acquiring a state PT license. Engaging in continuing education, such as pursuing board specialization with credentials like OCS or SCS, can significantly impact long-term pay growth, especially given the current pressures in the industry from reimbursement cuts and productivity expectations.
More salary data for Jacksonville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Jacksonville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Jacksonville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Jacksonville?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Jacksonville?
How do I become a physical therapist in Florida?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov