Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $44.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Pelham, AL runs $44.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,890 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,138 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly rate for a physical therapist in Pelham, Alabama, is projected to be $44.18, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This hourly pay affects various working arrangements, particularly for part-time and per-diem physical therapists. For those working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a viable source of income in outpatient clinic settings, hospital inpatient rehab, or home health visits. Physical therapists in Pelham can expect to earn between $36.12 at the entry level and up to $54.27 for those at the top of their field. It’s essential to understand that these hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salaries, reflecting the financial landscape in which Pelham's therapists operate.
About the Pelham 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) | $36.12 | $288.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.47 | $307.79 |
| Median (P50) | $44.18 | $353.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.62 | $404.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.27 | $434.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $44.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.18/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $91,896 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,017. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,767.23 | $7,658 | $91,896 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,060.34 | $4,595 | $55,138 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.89 | $3,063 | $36,758 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Pelham) | $44.18 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $91,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $99,341.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.18/hr = $55,138/year (purchasing power: $62,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,896/year (purchasing power: $104,546).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Pelham grew 14.9% from $37.53/hr (2019) to $43.12/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.27/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
Evaluating the earning potential for a physical therapist working part-time in Pelham reveals a significant difference in annual take-home pay compared to full-time colleagues. A therapist on a 24-hour weekly schedule would make approximately $54,000 annually, contrasting with a full-time salary that could reach over $91,000. For per diem work, therapists can potentially earn between $50 and $75 per hour, and opportunities in travel physical therapy may range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, inclusive of stipends. Furthermore, specialized cash-pay models in high-cost living areas showcase billing rates as high as $150 to $250 per hour. Hourly pay can differ significantly based on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering lower rates compared to hospital environments, where benefits may balance the equation. Physical therapists in Pelham looking to negotiate can benefit from emphasizing their skills and education to secure a better hourly rate, especially as the landscape shifts toward a more competitive market where specialized skills are in high demand.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Pelham in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Pelham?
Are physical therapists in Pelham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Pelham?
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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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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