Physical Therapist in Hollywood, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

As a Physical Therapist (PT) looking at Hollywood, FL, the first thing you need to know is that the local market pays well, often outpacing the national average. The median salary for a PT in the Hollywood metro area is $103,239/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $49.63/hour. This is a solid 3.5% above the national average of $99,710/year. For context, the Hollywood metro area has about 307 PT jobs, indicating a stable but not hyper-competitive market. Over the last decade, the profession has seen a 10-Year Job Growth of 14%, which is promising for long-term career stability.

Breaking down salaries by experience level gives a clearer picture of what you can expect to earn as you build your career in South Florida. The following table is based on aggregated data from local job postings and industry reports for the Hollywood area.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Hollywood Median Salary	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$82,000 - $95,000	$39.42 - $45.67
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$98,000 - $112,000	$47.12 - $53.85
Senior-Level	7-15 years	$110,000 - $125,000	$52.88 - $60.10
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$120,000 - $140,000+	$57.69 - $67.31+

When you compare Hollywood to other major Florida cities, it holds its own, especially when factoring in the cost of living. Miami's PTs might earn slightly more, but their rent and general living costs are significantly higher. Orlando and Tampa are comparable in salary but offer different lifestyle and job market dynamics. Hollywood strikes a balance with a robust healthcare sector without the extreme saturation of Miami-Dade County.

City	Median PT Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index	Take-Home Potential
Hollywood	$103,239	$1,621	111.8	Good
Miami	$105,000	$2,400	122.5	Moderate
Orlando	$101,500	$1,650	108.9	Good
Tampa	$102,000	$1,750	109.2	Good
Jacksonville	$98,500	$1,400	103.1	Excellent

Insider Tip: The salary bands in Hollywood are heavily influenced by the type of employer. Hospital systems like Memorial Healthcare System often offer structured pay scales with excellent benefits, while private outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer higher base pay or productivity bonuses. Don't just look at the base number—dig into the total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A median salary of $103,239/year sounds great, but after taxes and housing, your disposable income is what matters. Hollywood, FL, has a Cost of Living Index of 111.8, meaning it's about 12% more expensive than the U.S. average. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,621/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a PT earning the median salary. These figures are estimates based on Florida's state tax structure (no state income tax) and average deductions.

Category	Monthly Amount	% of Take-Home Pay	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,603	-	$103,239/12
Federal Tax & FICA	~$1,850	21.5%	Varies with withholdings & 401k
Net (Take-Home) Pay	~$6,750	-	After above-the-line deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,621	24%	Can vary from $1,400-$2,000
Utilities (Elec, Water, Net)	$250	4%	Higher in summer for AC
Car Payment + Insurance	$600	9%	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries & Household	$500	7%
Health Insurance	$300	4%	Employer-sponsored, typical share
Debt/Student Loans	$400	6%	Adjustable for PTs with loans
Retirement Savings (5%)	$430	6%	401k match not included
Discretionary/Emergency	$2,649	39%	For dining, travel, savings, fun
Total	$6,750	100%

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Hollywood is around $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would be roughly $2,260/month (PITI). This is about 34% of your gross monthly income, which is on the higher end of "affordable" but manageable if you have a dual income or are willing to start with a condo or townhouse. Many PTs in the area opt for homes in neighboring cities like Miramar or Pembroke Pines for more space at a slightly lower price point.

Insider Tip: Your biggest budget variable will be housing. Living closer to the coast (Hollywood Lakes, Downtown) will cost more but offers a better lifestyle. Inland neighborhoods like Hollywood Hills or parts of Miramar can save you $200-400/month in rent, which adds up fast. Factor in the cost of car insurance, which is notoriously high in Florida, especially in South Florida.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

Hollywood's job market for PTs is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, specialized clinics, and senior living facilities. The demand is steady, with a particular need in orthopedics, neurology, and geriatrics. Here are the key players:

1. Memorial Healthcare System: The largest employer in southern Broward County. This system includes Memorial Regional Hospital (a Level I Trauma Center) and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. They have inpatient rehab units, outpatient PT clinics, and home health services. Hiring trends show a strong preference for PTs with orthopedic or sports medicine certifications. They offer structured career ladders and strong benefits.

2. Broward Health: Another major system with a significant footprint in Hollywood, including Broward Health Medical Center. They have a robust outpatient network and are expanding their orthopedic and sports medicine services. Broward Health is known for serving a diverse patient population, offering excellent experience for generalist PTs looking to specialize.

3. Hollywood Memorial Hospital (part of HCA Florida): While part of a larger chain (HCA), this facility is a key employer in the heart of Hollywood. They focus on acute care and have affiliated outpatient centers. They often have openings for PTs in acute care and skilled nursing facilities.

4. Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinics: Hollywood is a hub for private practice. Clinics like OrthoFlorida and Broward Orthopedic Specialists frequently hire PTs. These roles are often productivity-based (you're paid for the number of patients you see), which can lead to higher earnings ($110,000+) but requires efficient time management. They seek PTs with manual therapy skills and potentially dry needling certification.

5. Senior Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities: With Florida's retiree population, this is a huge sector. Employers like The Palace Gardens or Sunrise of Hollywood offer outpatient and inpatient PT services. These roles are ideal for PTs interested in geriatrics and offer a predictable schedule, often with better work-life balance than hospital settings.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of South Florida and Amedisys are always hiring. This role offers autonomy and a varied caseload but requires strong time management and driving. Pay can be excellent due to mileage reimbursement and per-visit pay structures.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't posted on major boards. Join the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) and attend local South Florida chapter meetings. Many positions, especially in desirable outpatient clinics, are filled through professional networks. Also, don't overlook the growing demand for concussion management and vestibular therapy in the athletic and elderly populations.

Getting Licensed in FL

To practice as a PT in Florida, you must be licensed by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy (under the Florida Department of Health). The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: A Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program.
2. National Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. State Exam: Pass the Florida Jurisprudence Exam (a test on Florida laws and rules).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application to the Florida Board.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Fee: $485 (paid to the FSBPT).
• Florida Jurisprudence Exam: $50 (paid to the FL Board).
• License Application Fee: $150 (paid to the FL Department of Health).
• Background Check: ~$50-75 (via approved vendor).
• Total Initial Cost: Approximately $735 - $760 (excluding travel for exams).

Timeline: If you're already a licensed PT in another state, you can apply for Licensure by Endorsement. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks once your application is complete. If you're a new graduate, the process can take 2-3 months from passing the NPTE to receiving your Florida license. It's crucial to start the application process as soon as you have your NPTE score.

Insider Tip: Florida is a compact state. If you hold an active license in another compact state (like Georgia, Tennessee, or North Carolina), you can apply for a "Compact Privilege" to practice in Florida without a full Florida license. This is a game-changer for travel therapists or those with multi-state practice intentions.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Choosing where to live in Hollywood depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods for a working PT.

1. Downtown Hollywood: This is the walkable, artsy heart of the city. You're close to major employers like Memorial Regional and a host of outpatient clinics. The rent is higher ($1,800 - $2,200 for a 1BR), but you can walk to work, save on gas, and enjoy the nightlife. Ideal for younger PTs or those without a car.

2. Hollywood Lakes: A quiet, residential area with beautiful canals and larger, older homes. It's a short drive to the hospitals and I-95. Rent is moderate ($1,600 - $1,900). Great for PTs who want a peaceful home base after a long day. Commute to most employers is under 15 minutes.

3. South Hollywood (near Hallandale Beach): This area straddles the Hollywood/Hallandale border. You get closer to the beach and a slightly slower pace. Rent is similar to the city average ($1,500 - $1,800). Commute to the main hospital corridor can be 20-25 minutes but is simple via US-1 or I-95. Popular with PTs who value weekend beach access.

4. Miramar (Bordering Hollywood): Technically a separate city but part of the metro area. It's more suburban, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Rent is often lower ($1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR). Commute to Hollywood employers is 10-20 minutes via Miramar Parkway or I-75. Excellent for PTs starting families or wanting more square footage.

5. Hollywood Hills: An affluent, suburban neighborhood north of Stirling Road. It's known for its golf courses and spacious homes. Rent is higher ($1,700 - $2,100). The commute to downtown Hollywood is easy, but you're further from the beach. Ideal for senior PTs looking for a quiet, upscale environment.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-95 and US-1 (Federal Highway) during rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) is significant. If you work at Memorial Regional or Broward Health, living east of I-95 (in Hollywood Lakes or Downtown) can save you 30+ minutes of daily commute stress. Always test your commute during your interview process.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hollywood, the path from a generalist PT to a specialist can significantly boost your earnings and job satisfaction. The 10-Year Job Growth of 14% indicates a healthy market for career advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): The most valued specialty in the area. Can command a $5,000 - $10,000 salary premium. Essential for private practice and sports clinic roles.
• Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): High demand in hospital inpatient rehab and with the growing elderly population. Premium of $7,000 - $12,000.
• Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): Valuable in orthopedic clinics and for working with local high school/college athletes. Premium of $8,000 - $15,000.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: An emerging, high-demand niche in South Florida. Premiums are not standardized yet but can lead to lucrative private practice opportunities.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Move from a staff PT to a Senior PT, Clinical Instructor (mentoring DPT students), or Clinical Specialist within a hospital system.
2. Management: Become a PT Manager or Director of Rehabilitation. This path often requires an MBA or MHA and pays $130,000+.
3. Private Practice: Start your own clinic. The startup costs are high in Florida (rent, insurance), but successful practices in Hollywood can be very profitable, especially if you specialize.
4. Academia: Teach at a local DPT program (like at Nova Southeastern University in nearby Fort Lauderdale). This path offers stability and a different pace.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for PTs in Florida is projected to remain strong, driven by an aging population and the rise of chronic conditions. In Hollywood, expect continued growth in outpatient orthopedics, home health, and oncology rehab. The key to long-term success will be specialization and building a strong professional network in the South Florida healthcare community.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Hollywood, FL, presents a compelling package for a Physical Therapist. It offers a competitive salary that stretches further than in Miami, a diverse job market, and a vibrant coastal lifestyle. However, it's not without its challenges, particularly with the high cost of living and traffic.

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average ($103,239)	High Cost of Living (Index 111.8)
Stable job market (14% growth, 307 jobs)	Traffic congestion on I-95/US-1
Diverse employer mix (hospitals, clinics, home health)	Hurricane risk and high insurance costs
No state income tax	High auto insurance rates
Proximity to Miami/Fort Lauderdale for entertainment	Competitive housing market
Outdoor lifestyle (beaches, parks, year-round sun)	Summer humidity and heat can be intense

Final Recommendation: Hollywood is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who value a blend of professional opportunity and a high quality of life. It's particularly well-suited for:

• New graduates looking for a robust market with a variety of entry-level settings.
• Mid-career PTs seeking to specialize or advance into management.
• PTs from other states (especially compact states) looking for a seamless transition to the Florida market.

If you are budget-conscious and willing to live inland (like Miramar) to save on rent, the financial outlook is very positive. If you crave the coastal lifestyle and are willing to pay a premium for it, neighborhoods like Downtown Hollywood or South Hollywood are ideal. **The Verdict: A strong "Yes" for most