Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Physical Therapist Assistants in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area earn an average annual salary of $65,590. This figure is slightly below the national average of $67,190, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics are at play. While the nominal salary is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local market's unique characteristics is crucial for compensation expectations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,670.
- Outlook: The Lakeland-Winter Haven area supports a dedicated workforce of 270 Physical Therapist Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.46, this region shows a concentration of these professionals significantly higher than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a specialized job market for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL earns-2.4%below the national average.
$31.5
$1,261
$5,466
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in physical therapy techniques, and a growing demand for rehabilitation services.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $51,990 | $25 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $49,193 | $23.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $63,700 | $30.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $81,988 | $39.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $75,670 | $36.4 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,590 in Lakeland-Winter Haven aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
1.026
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.46 signifies that Physical Therapist Assistants are more concentrated in Lakeland-Winter Haven than in the typical U.S. metropolitan area. This suggests a healthy and active job market for these professionals, where demand may outpace supply in certain segments, potentially leading to competitive compensation and opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $68,340↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $68,020↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $68,890↑ 5% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $70,930↑ 8% | 48 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $68,890↑ 5% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is $65,590. This typically ranges from $51,990 for entry-level positions to $75,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 2.4% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $65,590 is strong, especially considering the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average. This indicates good purchasing power for Physical Therapist Assistants in the region.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Florida nonmetropolitan area ($68,340) and South Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lakeland-Winter Haven salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven is $65,590, which is slightly below the national average of $67,190.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.46 mean for Physical Therapist Assistants?
A Location Quotient of 1.46 indicates that Physical Therapist Assistants are 46% more concentrated in Lakeland-Winter Haven compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and demand for the profession.
Is the cost of living high in Lakeland-Winter Haven for Physical Therapist Assistants?
No, the cost of living in Lakeland-Winter Haven is at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $65,590 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Lakeland-Winter Haven?
There are approximately 270 Physical Therapist Assistants employed in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area with a job density of 1.026 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Physical Therapist Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- All Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Management Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Stockers and Order Fillers Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Production Occupations Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
- Browse All Jobs in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL