Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Plant City, FL: $46.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Plant City, FL runs $46.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Plant City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,245 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plant City, Florida, physical therapists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $46.67 in 2026, which places them below the national median of $50.62. This discrepancy offers an insightful context for those considering part-time or per-diem positions within the city's various therapeutic settings, such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. For professionals working only three days a week, this hourly income could translate into a comfortable lifestyle, although potential earnings can fluctuate based on experience. The hourly pay range for physical therapists in Plant City spans from approximately $36.16 for entry-level positions to $60.21 for the most seasoned practitioners, reflecting the diverse earning potential dictated by skill level and work environment.
About the Plant City Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.16 | $289.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.55 | $316.40 |
| Median (P50) | $46.67 | $373.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.81 | $438.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.21 | $481.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plant City
Based on $46.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.67/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plant City, FL can expect to earn approximately $97,075 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,005. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plant City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plant City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,866.82 | $8,090 | $97,075 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,120.09 | $4,854 | $58,245 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $746.73 | $3,236 | $38,830 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Plant City) | $46.67 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Plant City, FL earn a median of $97,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.80% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.30% below the Florida state average of $102,507.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.67/hr = $58,245/year (purchasing power: $57,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,075/year (purchasing power: $96,304).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Plant City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Plant City grew 14.9% from $39.65/hr (2019) to $45.55/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plant City 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Plant City
Evaluating the part-time earnings of a physical therapist in Plant City provides an even clearer picture of what a flexible work schedule might yield. A therapist working 24 hours a week at the median rate could expect an annual income significantly less than that of a full-time counterpart, resulting in financial considerations that vary substantially for those pursuing part-time careers. Additionally, per diem physical therapists can anticipate billing rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, giving them the flexibility to negotiate based on demand and client needs. Various work environments also influence hourly rates; for example, private practice outpatient clinics may offer lower pay than options such as hospital inpatient rehab or travel PT contracts, which can be quite lucrative at $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Physical therapists often face a decision between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher compensation without such support, reflecting a broader trend in the industry that affects job satisfaction and work-life balance. When negotiating, aspiring professionals in Plant City should emphasize their specialized skills and be prepared to discuss the financial benefits of their experience in the current healthcare climate.
More salary data for Plant City, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Plant City in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Plant City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plant City 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