Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Maricopa, AZ: $51.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Maricopa, AZ runs $51.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,202 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Maricopa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,319 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maricopa, Arizona, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $51.54, surpassing the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate allows for substantial earning potential, especially for those who prefer part-time work or per-diem opportunities within various therapeutic settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health scenarios. The hourly pay range for physical therapists in this region stretches between $38.73 at the lower end (P10) and up to $66.33 for the highest-earning professionals (P90). These figures provide a glimpse into the financial viability of this career path, particularly for entry-level therapists alongside seasoned practitioners who command higher wages.
About the Maricopa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.73 | $309.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.90 | $343.20 |
| Median (P50) | $51.54 | $412.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.25 | $481.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.33 | $530.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maricopa
Based on $51.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.54/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maricopa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $107,198 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,845. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maricopa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maricopa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,061.50 | $8,933 | $107,198 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,236.90 | $5,360 | $64,319 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $824.60 | $3,573 | $42,879 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Maricopa) | $51.54 |
| 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 Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $107,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.82% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $105,722.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.54/hr = $64,319/year (purchasing power: $65,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,198/year (purchasing power: $108,830).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Maricopa grew 14.9% from $43.78/hr (2019) to $50.30/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.81/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 Maricopa 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 Maricopa
Considering the realities of part-time work, a physical therapist working three days per week, for a total of 24 hours, can expect to realize a different financial picture compared to full-time colleagues. While some full-time therapists benefit from complete health benefits, individuals in per-diem roles often bill anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, depending on the setting. Some traveling physical therapists report earnings through contracts of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, especially when including stipends. In Maricopa, hourly rates can also differ based on whether you work in outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or pediatric therapy, so it's essential to navigate these varying conditions carefully. Many therapists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for more substantial health benefits, while others might choose to maximize pay through higher hourly rates without additional perks. Skillful negotiation can be key to securing the most favorable terms, especially when considering the diverse employment structures available in this vibrant Arizona city.
More salary data for Maricopa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Maricopa in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Maricopa?
Are physical therapists in Maricopa paid hourly or salary?
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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 Maricopa. 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 Maricopa 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