Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Madison, AL: $46.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Madison, AL runs $46.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Madison, Alabama, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $46.58, which falls below the national median of $50.62. This hourly wage is significant for professionals in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and home health environments. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this rate indicates potential earnings that allow for a comfortable lifestyle in Madison, where the cost of living index is below the national average. Additionally, the hourly range for physical therapists varies from $35.87 for entry-level positions to $61.09 for experienced therapists, highlighting the diverse earning potential across different stages of their careers. These rates are derived from annual salary estimates and provide a reliable framework for those considering a career in physical therapy in AL.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.87 | $286.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.39 | $315.08 |
| Median (P50) | $46.58 | $372.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.02 | $440.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.09 | $488.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $46.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.58/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, AL can expect to earn approximately $96,883 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,894. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,863.13 | $8,074 | $96,883 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,117.88 | $4,844 | $58,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $745.25 | $3,229 | $38,753 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Madison) | $46.58 |
| 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 Madison, AL earn a median of $96,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.98% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $99,365.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.58/hr = $58,130/year (purchasing power: $66,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,883/year (purchasing power: $110,219).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Madison grew 14.9% from $39.57/hr (2019) to $45.46/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.72/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 Madison 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 Madison
Many physical therapists may find themselves working part-time or per diem, leading to differing financial outcomes than full-time positions. A physical therapist working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $58,000 annually, a figure that reflects the appeal of part-time flexibility. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist pay in Madison typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly stipends that can elevate take-home pay significantly. Employers in Madison, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospitals, may have varying pay rates based on the type of services offered. Those willing to prioritize benefits over hourly pay might select roles with health insurance options, while others might opt for higher pay rates without benefits. For anyone entering the field, it’s important to negotiate based on the specific setting and responsibilities, particularly in a market influenced by contract work and evolving productivity models sensitive to reimbursement changes.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Madison?
Are physical therapists in Madison paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Madison?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Madison?
Related Pages
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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 Madison. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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