Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $50.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Tucson, AZ runs $50.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,940 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,963 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, Arizona, the physical therapist hourly pay reaches a median rate of $50.45, just shy of the national median of $50.62. This competitive hourly wage creates a favorable environment for both part-time and per-diem physical therapists working in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those in Tucson, entry-level physical therapists can expect to earn around $39.61 per hour, while more experienced professionals, particularly those in specialized roles, can make as much as $67.29 per hour. Official BLS hourly data indicates a solid foundation for current and prospective physical therapists looking to establish a successful career in this growing field.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.61 | $316.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.85 | $342.79 |
| Median (P50) | $50.45 | $403.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.57 | $468.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.29 | $538.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $50.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.45/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $104,939 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,542. With a cost-of-living index of 96.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,018.05 | $8,745 | $104,939 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,210.83 | $5,247 | $62,963 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $807.22 | $3,498 | $41,975 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Tucson) | $50.45 |
| 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 Tucson, AZ earn a median of $104,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.80% below the Arizona state average of $105,786.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.45/hr = $62,963/year (purchasing power: $64,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,939/year (purchasing power: $108,300).
CoL index: 96.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Tucson grew 17.1% from $42.06/hr (2019) to $49.24/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.69/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 Tucson 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 Tucson
Analyzing the earning potential for a part-time physical therapist in Tucson reveals significant opportunities for income. A physical therapist working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, can expect to take home about $62,705 annually, which is substantial, yet still reflects the benefits of full-time employment that often include health insurance and retirement plans. For per diem physical therapist pay in Tucson, rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts potentially offering $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. The types of settings significantly impact hourly earnings, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing lower rates compared to hospitals or specialized clinics. This disparity reflects the trade-offs many physical therapists face when negotiating their compensation, where choosing lower wages with benefits may appeal to some, while others prefer higher pay without the safety net of health insurance. To navigate this, potential workers should leverage their skills and experience strategically, seeking out competitive offers in Tucson's diverse healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Tucson in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Tucson?
Are physical therapists in Tucson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Tucson?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Tucson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Tucson. 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