Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Ormond Beach, FL: $79,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Ormond Beach, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,649 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ormond Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,017 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,378) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, recent graduates entering the physical therapy field in Ormond Beach can expect an entry-level physical therapist salary to start around $79,649. This figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $100,378, illustrating the typical salary gap often faced by newcomers as they establish their careers. Over the first few years, as their experience grows, new physical therapists can realistically anticipate gradual increases, meaning that with dedication and skill development, many can aim to reach the 25th percentile salary of $83,914. Given the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, Ormond Beach presents a fair opportunity for new grads to begin their careers in a market that is both accommodating and supportive of professional growth.
About the Ormond Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ormond Beach
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 Ormond Beach
Entry-level physical therapists in Ormond Beach, FL typically start between $79,649 and $83,914 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,752 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,378 — 4.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Florida of $100,000 represents just 125.55% of the starting physical therapist pay ($79,649/year) in Ormond Beach. 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 Ormond Beach
- 1Research the Ormond Beach market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $79,649 to $83,914, 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 Ormond Beach, 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 Ormond Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ormond Beach'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 Ormond Beach is $47,752 ( 59.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,649, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,401.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,601
2025 BLS Actual
$77,737
2026 Current Est.
$79,649
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Ormond Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,601 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,022 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,819 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,609 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Ormond Beach, FL grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,601 in 2019 to $77,737 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,609. New graduates entering the Ormond Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ormond Beach 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 Ormond Beach
Employers in Ormond Beach are increasingly welcoming new physical therapy graduates, particularly when considering outpatient orthopedic chains, which tend to hire most new DPT graduates. Establishments like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico offer structured productivity ramps that can lead to increased pay through productivity bonuses. Additionally, hospital systems often provide residency programs, fostering career advancement and opportunities for board certification. To boost starting physical therapist pay in FL, graduates should ensure they complete a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE, and maintain a state PT license. Those seeking specialization through a residency or fellowship can significantly enhance their marketability. In the first few years, while starting salaries may leave room for improvement, new graduates should focus on gaining diverse experience and networking—both vital to navigating the evolving landscape of physical therapy reimbursement and practice models in Ormond Beach.
More salary data for Ormond Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Ormond Beach in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Ormond Beach?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Ormond Beach?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Ormond Beach?
How do I become a physical therapist in Florida?
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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 Ormond Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ormond Beach 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 2.46%, 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