Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lakeland, FL: $48.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lakeland, FL runs $48.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,169 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lakeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,700 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Lakeland, Florida, earn a median hourly pay of $48.64, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62. This salary reflects the earnings potential for part-time and per-diem roles within various settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, and home health environments. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a reasonable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range for physical therapists in the area spans from $36.37 for entry-level positions to $54.66 for top earners. This data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, illustrates the diverse earning opportunities within the profession across different work environments.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.37 | $290.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.25 | $314.02 |
| Median (P50) | $48.64 | $389.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.70 | $429.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.66 | $437.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeland
Based on $48.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.64/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeland, FL can expect to earn approximately $101,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,365. With a cost-of-living index of 97.14 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,945.51 | $8,431 | $101,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,167.31 | $5,058 | $60,700 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.20 | $3,372 | $40,467 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lakeland) | $48.64 |
| 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 Lakeland, FL earn a median of $101,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.91% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% below the Florida state average of $102,605.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.64/hr = $60,700/year (purchasing power: $62,486).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,167/year (purchasing power: $104,144).
CoL index: 97.141 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lakeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lakeland grew 8.9% from $43.59/hr (2019) to $47.47/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.83/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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
Exploring the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $60,000 annually, which provides a comfortable lifestyle in Lakeland, particularly given the relatively low cost of living index of 97.141. For those considering per diem roles, pay rates commonly fall between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel therapy contracts offering even more lucrative options of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly when including stipends. On average, cash-pay rates for orthopedic or sports-focused physical therapists in higher-cost markets can reach $150 to $250 per hour. Different employer types—whether outpatient orthopedic clinics, inpatient rehab facilities, or skilled nursing environments—can significantly impact hourly wages as they often reflect varying operational models. Some therapists may accept lower hourly rates for the additional benefits offered by larger employers, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay effectively in Lakeland requires a deep understanding of the local job market dynamics and the value of specialized skills in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Lakeland, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lakeland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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