Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Mobile, AL: $46.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Mobile, AL runs $46.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,599 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Mobile's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,964 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

For physical therapists practicing in Mobile, Alabama, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 is $46.45. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $50.62, reflecting a regional disparity in compensation. Such an hourly wage offers significant opportunities for part-time or per-diem work, especially in varied environments such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and home health visits. Those starting their careers may find themselves in the lower range, earning around $37.51 per hour, while experienced professionals with advanced skills could see pay reach as high as $61.41. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that physical therapists in Mobile enjoy a salary range that accommodates both entry-level and top-earning positions, which can be beneficial for those seeking flexible work arrangements.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.51 | $300.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.97 | $327.79 |
| Median (P50) | $46.45 | $371.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.60 | $404.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.41 | $491.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mobile
Based on $46.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.45/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mobile, AL can expect to earn approximately $96,606 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,734. With a cost-of-living index of 88.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mobile.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mobile
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,857.80 | $8,050 | $96,606 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,114.68 | $4,830 | $57,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $743.12 | $3,220 | $38,642 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Mobile) | $46.45 |
| 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 Mobile, AL earn a median of $96,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.25% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.80% below the Alabama state average of $99,382.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.45/hr = $57,964/year (purchasing power: $65,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,606/year (purchasing power: $109,657).
CoL index: 88.098 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+8.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Mobile (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Mobile grew 3.2% from $43.92/hr (2019) to $45.33/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.59/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 Mobile 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 Mobile
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time physical therapists reveals that a 24-hour workweek translates to around $48,000 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time PT's income. Per diem physical therapists in Mobile generally have a different compensation structure, commonly billing rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contracts may yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, including stipends. Various employer types significantly influence hourly rates; for instance, therapists in outpatient orthopedic chains might earn less than their counterparts in hospital settings, but often have productivity bonuses as part of their compensation package. While selecting between hourly rates and employment benefits, many physical therapists weigh the advantages of job security and health insurance against higher pay without benefits. For those in negotiations, knowing the regional market rates is essential for securing a favorable position without shortchanging their professional worth.
More salary data for Mobile, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Mobile in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Mobile?
Are physical therapists in Mobile paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Mobile?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Mobile?
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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 Mobile. 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