Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $45.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $45.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,394 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, earn a median hourly pay of $45.86, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $50.62. This wage has significant implications for both part-time professionals who may work three days a week and per-diem therapists. For those in outpatient clinics, home health visits, or sports performance centers, the hourly rates can vary widely. Those just starting their careers might see rates closer to $35.40, while experienced therapists can earn up to $58.78 per hour, reflecting the disparities among different settings such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehabilitation units. As a result, these hourly figures allow various work arrangements, making the profession appealing for individuals seeking flexible schedules.
About the Vestavia Hills 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) | $35.40 | $283.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.63 | $309.02 |
| Median (P50) | $45.86 | $366.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.63 | $429.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.78 | $470.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $45.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.86/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $95,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,033. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,834.44 | $7,949 | $95,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,100.67 | $4,770 | $57,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $733.78 | $3,180 | $38,156 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Vestavia Hills) | $45.86 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $95,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.40% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $99,369.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.86/hr = $57,235/year (purchasing power: $65,113).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,391/year (purchasing power: $108,522).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Vestavia Hills grew 14.9% from $38.96/hr (2019) to $44.76/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.99/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
Part-time physical therapists working only 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $57,628 annually, which can be a viable income depending on personal circumstances and financial commitments. On the other hand, per diem physical therapists often find opportunities that allow them to bill at higher rates, generally between $50-$75 per hour, with travel contracts bringing in even greater weekly earnings. The type of employer does play a crucial role in determining pay structure; outpatient orthopedic clinics, while popular, often offer lower wages than hospital systems that may compensate therapists with benefits. Thus, while some therapists might opt for less hourly pay to secure health insurance, others may aim for higher compensation without benefits, resulting in a nuanced decision-making process regarding employment in Vestavia Hills. Negotiation strategies could be key, especially in a market where part-time and per diem options offer flexibility but vary significantly in financial outcomes.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Vestavia Hills?
Are physical therapists in Vestavia Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Vestavia Hills?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Vestavia Hills?
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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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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