Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $50.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Surprise, AZ runs $50.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, Arizona, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $50.74 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate translates well into practical earnings for part-time practitioners, who might work in various settings such as outpatient clinics, home health agencies, and sports performance centers. For instance, a therapist working three days a week could earn around $38,016 annually if averaging 24 hours of work each week. The hourly wages for new graduates begin at approximately $38.56, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $68.20 per hour, providing a broad range for potential earnings based on experience and clinical setting influences. It's important to note that these hourly estimates derive from annual salary figures and reflect a nuanced market impacted by local demand and healthcare trends.
About the Surprise 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) | $38.56 | $308.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.66 | $341.31 |
| Median (P50) | $50.74 | $405.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.73 | $485.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.20 | $545.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $50.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.74/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $105,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,886. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,029.53 | $8,795 | $105,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,217.72 | $5,277 | $63,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.81 | $3,518 | $42,214 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Surprise) | $50.74 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $105,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $105,742.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.74/hr = $63,321/year (purchasing power: $64,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,535/year (purchasing power: $107,143).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Surprise grew 14.9% from $43.10/hr (2019) to $49.52/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.99/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 Surprise 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 Surprise
Part-time physical therapists in Surprise can experience a meaningful difference in annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. A physical therapist working just three days a week at 24 hours might net around $38,016 annually, while full-time therapists achieve an annual income around $105,531. Per diem physical therapist pay in Surprise typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, offering flexibility and often higher overall weekly earnings. Traveling physical therapists can command weekly contracts upwards of $1,800 to $2,800, making this a lucrative option for those willing to relocate temporarily. Hourly pay varies considerably based on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic facilities usually offering lower rates compared to more specialized settings like pediatric clinics or private practices. This discrepancy creates a trade-off for therapists deciding between higher hourly rates with no benefits or lower rates that provide health insurance. For professionals in Surprise, negotiating effectively involves knowing the market standards and weighing the importance of benefits versus cash pay in their specific career goals.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Surprise in 2026?
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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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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