Physical Therapist Salary in Clearwater, FL: $105,651 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Clearwater, FL earns a median $105,651/year (≈ $50.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $104,813 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, Florida, physical therapists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $105,651 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position relative to the national median of $105,288. Salary ranges in the area vary significantly, with the lowest ten percent earning around $75,097 and the highest ten percent reaching approximately $146,039. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, highlight the financial implications of employment settings—outpatient clinics like ATI or Athletico typically offer different pay structures compared to hospital-based roles or skilled nursing facilities. The evolving job market in Clearwater emphasizes the necessity for physical therapists to consider their specific workplace environments, as each setting may influence salary outcomes and career progression opportunities.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,097 | $36.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,914 | $40.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,651 | $50.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,844 | $61.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,039 | $70.22 |
Median Salary Position
0.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,942 (2026 est.). At $105,651, the local median is 0.34% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $105,651/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $102,573 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +0.34% more |
Physical Therapists in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $105,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.00% above the Florida state average of $102,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,651 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,813 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,748
2025 BLS Actual
$103,114
2026 Current Est.
$105,651
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,748 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,324 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,053 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,314 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,114 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,651 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,250 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $89,748 (2019) to $103,114 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,250 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,502 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,097 – $84,914 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,914 – $105,651 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,651 – $128,844 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,844 – $146,039 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Clearwater
The job market for physical therapists in Clearwater consists of about 19 professionals, indicating a niche but established field. The cost of living index sits slightly above the national average at 100.8, which impacts the real value of salaries when evaluating purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to yield competitive physical therapist pay in Clearwater, while hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities may offer salaries that reflect more comprehensive benefits and job security. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include productivity expectations like the number of units per visit, board certifications that command higher stipends, and the choice between cash-pay and insurance models. To maximize earning potential, therapists should focus on enhancing productivity metrics, pursuing specialization certifications such as OCS or SCS, and exploring opportunities in travel PT, which often provides premium pay.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Clearwater, FL in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Clearwater?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $103,114 for physical therapistsin the Clearwater metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearwater 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