Healthcare Fort Lauderdale, FL Pop. 182,760

Physical Therapist Salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The median physical therapist salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $114,332 per year, which is 17.0% above the national median and 17.0% above the Florida state average.

City Median
$114,332
vs State Avg
+$16,612
vs National
+$16,612
Cost of Living
115%

Physical Therapist Pay in Fort Lauderdale: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Lauderdale offers a median physical therapist salary of $114,332, which is $16,612 above the Florida state average of $97,720. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $114,332 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $99,419. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Fort Lauderdale spans from $78,156 at the 10th percentile to $152,334 at the 90th percentile — a $74,178 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,560, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,760. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $79,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,560
+$11,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,660
+$16,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,760
+$21,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Percentile Fort Lauderdale
10th Percentile $78,156
25th Percentile $93,834
Median (50th) $114,332
75th Percentile $136,188
90th Percentile $152,334

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Florida Cities

Miami, FL
$117,264
Pop. 442,241
Orlando, FL
$101,629
Pop. 307,573
Tampa, FL
$99,674
Pop. 384,959
Jacksonville, FL
$94,788
Pop. 949,611

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Fort Lauderdale

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Lauderdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Fort Lauderdale

Browse open physical therapist positions in Fort Lauderdale, FL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $114,332 per year, which is 17.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $78,156 (10th percentile) to $152,334 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,332, a physical therapist in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Fort Lauderdale's median physical therapist salary of $114,332 is 17.0% above the Florida state average of $97,720. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $114,332 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Fort Lauderdale require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.