Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Florida

Florida PT Tech Job Market

Florida offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -5% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

5,800+ PT Tech positions open annually across Florida. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$33,480 average salary, -5% vs national vs national. Metro Florida pays even higher—up to $43,500 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to HCA Florida and other leading healthcare facilities across Florida.

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Career Growth

Major employers offer tuition reimbursement for PT Techs pursuing PTA degrees. Clear advancement pathways available.

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

PT Techs work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, providing essential support for patient care and clinic operations.

✓ Daily PT Tech Responsibilities

● Patient Exercise Assistance: Guide patients through therapeutic exercises prescribed by the PT, ensuring proper form and safety
● Treatment Preparation: Set up treatment areas, prepare equipment, apply hot/cold packs, and ready modalities like ultrasound
● Patient Transfers: Assist patients with mobility, transfers between surfaces, and safe ambulation with devices
● Equipment Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, and maintain therapy equipment; report any malfunctions
● Documentation Support: Record patient attendance, exercise completion, and observations for PT review
● Patient Transport: Escort patients to and from treatment areas; assist with wheelchairs and walkers

🏥 Work Settings in Florida

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Tampa General Hospital alone has 100+ FL locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: HCA Florida and hospital rehab units. Complex cases including stroke, TBI, spinal cord injuries.
● Hospital PT Departments: Acute care settings at major systems like Hackensack Meridian and Baptist Health South Florida.
● Skilled Nursing Facilities: Post-acute rehabilitation for elderly patients. Consistent schedules, growing demand.
● Sports Medicine: Athletic training facilities, sports PT clinics. Work with athletes at all levels.
● Home Health: Travel to patient homes. Higher pay, mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling.

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PT Tech vs. Other Healthcare Roles

Physical Therapy Technicians focus specifically on PT support tasks. PT Techs do not perform clinical tasks like blood draws, EKGs, medication administration, or wound care—those are performed by nurses, PCTs, or medical assistants. PT Techs work exclusively within the physical therapy department under PT supervision.

Top PT Tech Employers in Florida

Florida's largest health systems and rehabilitation facilities are actively hiring PT Techs. These employers offer competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

HCA Florida

Florida's Largest

Statewide

Largest for-profit hospital chain

615-344-9551 View Jobs →

AdventHealth

Healthcare Leader

Orlando/Central FL

Major faith-based system

407-303-5600 View Jobs →

Baptist Health South Florida

Regional Provider

Miami

South Florida's premier system

786-596-1960 View Jobs →

Tampa General Hospital

Academic

Tampa

West coast academic center

813-844-7000 View Jobs →

Brooks Rehabilitation

Top Ranked

Jacksonville

Top-ranked rehab hospital

904-345-7300 View Jobs →

BayCare Health System

Rural Florida

Rural areas

Tampa Bay's leading health system

800-229-2273 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Florida

Salaries vary across Florida regions. Metro Florida typically pays highest, while Rural Florida offers different cost-of-living dynamics.

Metro Florida

Major metro areas

$38K-$41K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Florida

Suburban counties

$33K-$38K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Florida

Central regions

$30K-$35K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Florida

Rural areas

$28K-$31K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro Florida pays highest, Rural Florida's lower housing costs often result in similar take-home purchasing power. Consider total compensation including benefits, commute time, and quality of life.

How to Land a PT Tech Job in Florida

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Florida's competitive PT Tech job market.

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1. Get Certified

Complete PT Tech training and earn your CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification significantly improves your competitiveness, especially at top facilities like HCA Florida.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. HCA Florida, AdventHealth, and Baptist Health South Florida have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend FL Physical Therapy Association events. Connect with PTs during your externship. Many PT Tech positions are filled through referrals before being posted publicly.

Ready to Start Your PT Tech Career?

Complete EHired's free PT Tech training program and gain the skills Florida employers are looking for.

Start Free Training Today

Make a one-time payment when you're ready to challenge for certification and start working

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Physical Therapy Technicians do on the job in Florida?

PT Techs in Florida prepare treatment areas and equipment, assist patients with therapeutic exercises under PT supervision, help with patient transfers and mobility, apply hot/cold packs, set up treatment modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, transport patients, maintain equipment, and document patient progress. They work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

Which employers hire the most PT Techs in Florida?

Major PT Tech employers in Florida include HCA Florida (#4 ranked nationally), AdventHealth (FL's largest system), Baptist Health South Florida, Tampa General Hospital (largest private PT practice in tristate), Brooks Rehabilitation, and BayCare Health System. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Florida?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Florida earn an average of $33,480 per year (-5% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $23,800, experienced PT Techs earn $38,800+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $43,500+. Metro Florida generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Florida PT Techs work in outpatient physical therapy clinics, hospital rehabilitation departments, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, home health agencies, and specialty practices like pediatric or neurological PT. Outpatient clinics are the most common setting, followed by hospital-based positions.

Do I need certification to get a PT Tech job in Florida?

Florida does not require state licensure for PT Techs—you work under PT supervision. However, employers strongly prefer candidates with formal training and CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification demonstrates competency and significantly improves job prospects, especially at competitive employers like HCA Florida and major health systems.