Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $47.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Dothan, AL runs $47.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,808 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.8, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,680 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Dothan, Alabama, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $47.02, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the local demand and cost of living, making it particularly significant for part-time and per-diem therapists looking for flexible work arrangements. Physical therapists in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments, may find this pay advantageous while also providing the opportunity for income diversification. The hourly pay range nationally stretches from $36.34 for entry-level positions to $74.20 for seasoned professionals, illustrating the earning potential and career growth opportunities available within the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and help clarify the earning landscape for physical therapists in Dothan.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.34 | $290.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.18 | $329.43 |
| Median (P50) | $47.02 | $376.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.42 | $531.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.20 | $593.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $47.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.02/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $97,799 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,423. With a cost-of-living index of 83.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,880.76 | $8,150 | $97,799 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.45 | $4,890 | $58,680 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.30 | $3,260 | $39,120 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Dothan) | $47.02 |
| 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 Dothan, AL earn a median of $97,808 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.10% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $99,399.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.02/hr = $58,680/year (purchasing power: $69,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,799/year (purchasing power: $116,660).
CoL index: 83.833 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Dothan grew 7.2% from $42.80/hr (2019) to $45.89/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.18/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 Dothan 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 Dothan
When examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapists working three days a week, the financial returns can significantly differ from their full-time counterparts. A physical therapist working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home considerably less annually than one working a standard 40-hour week, even though their hourly rate remains stable. Per-diem physical therapists in Dothan may command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, which can make such positions lucrative for those willing to take on the variability of agency work. Travel contracts may offer even higher compensation, with weekly wages ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Different employers in Dothan, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies, can impact pay rates, as those in private practices might offer lower hourly wages compared to hospital affiliations, but potentially provide better job benefits. Some physical therapists might choose to accept lower pay for the security of health insurance, while others are drawn to higher, benefit-free hourly pay. Negotiating for pay in Dothan can be effective if professionals emphasize local demand and their specialization, especially in cash-pay environments.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Dothan in 2026?
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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 Dothan. 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