Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Sunrise, FL: $75,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Sunrise, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,814 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sunrise's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,212 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,660) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the physical therapy field in Sunrise, Florida, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to be around $75,814 in 2026. This figure may initially seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $99,660, creating a noticeable gap. However, early-career professionals can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience, moving up towards the 25th percentile earning potential of $83,872 within their first few years. Given Sunrise's current job market and its projected growth rate of 2.46%, new graduates will find an encouraging environment for establishing their careers. The competitive entry-level salaries, coupled with a supportive community for physical therapists, suggest that Sunrise is a promising location for recent graduates eager to launch their professional journeys.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sunrise
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 Sunrise
Entry-level physical therapists in Sunrise, FL typically start between $75,814 and $83,872 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,660 — 5.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Florida of $100,000 represents just 131.90% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,814/year) in Sunrise. 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 Sunrise
- 1Research the Sunrise market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,814 to $83,872, 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 Sunrise, 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 Sunrise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sunrise'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 Sunrise is $54,236 ( 71.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,814, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,050.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,587
2025 BLS Actual
$73,994
2026 Current Est.
$75,814
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,939 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,404 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,024 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,994 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,679 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Sunrise, FL grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,587 in 2019 to $73,994 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,679. New graduates entering the Sunrise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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 Sunrise
Employers in Sunrise commonly seeking to hire new graduates include outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico, which often offer structured productivity ramps, albeit typically at lower starting salaries. Alternatively, hospital systems provide residency programs that enhance the educational experience while leading to board certification, positioning graduates for better pay and career advancement. The highest starting salaries are often found with skilled nursing facility rehab firms like Genesis and RehabCare, which may attract new talent with more considerable wage offers. Credentials such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, NPTE licensing, and optional involvement in specialized residency or fellowships can significantly improve salary prospects. For new grads looking to excel in their first few years, understanding the compensation dynamics of the market and leveraging the resources offered by organizations like the APTA can be key strategies towards a successful career in physical therapy.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Sunrise in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Sunrise?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Sunrise?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Sunrise?
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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 Sunrise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sunrise 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