Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $48.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Fort Smith, AR runs $48.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,159 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,700 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, the projected median hourly rate for physical therapists in 2026 stands at $48.64. Compared to the national median of $50.62 per hour, this figure highlights a slight regional variance in compensation. For physical therapists opting for part-time schedules, such as those working three days per week, the hourly rate allows for a flexible work-life balance while still providing a respectable income. Additionally, per-diem positions typically offer wages within the range from $37.34 to $63.77 per hour, depending on experience and setting. These rehabilitation specialists can be found in various environments, including outpatient clinics, inpatient hospital rehabilitation units, and even home health settings, allowing for diverse professional experiences.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.34 | $298.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.61 | $332.87 |
| Median (P50) | $48.64 | $389.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.42 | $451.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.77 | $510.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $48.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.64/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $101,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,365. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,945.51 | $8,431 | $101,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,167.31 | $5,058 | $60,700 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.20 | $3,372 | $40,467 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Fort Smith) | $48.64 |
| 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 Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $101,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.20% below the Arkansas state average of $102,387.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.64/hr = $60,700/year (purchasing power: $70,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,167/year (purchasing power: $117,789).
CoL index: 85.888 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Fort Smith grew 3.9% from $45.70/hr (2019) to $47.47/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.83/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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
When considering annual earnings, a part-time therapist working 24 hours per week can expect to take home roughly $49,000, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. This trade-off is critical for many in the field. Per-diem physical therapists in Fort Smith often bill between $50 to $75 per hour, while traveling PTs may earn contracts yielding $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, incorporating additional stipends. Hourly pay varies widely across employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lesser rates compared to patient-centric settings like skilled nursing facilities or sports medicine clinics. For many, the decision to accept a lower hourly pay for a full-time position comes with benefits such as health insurance, whereas higher hourly rates in agency roles often come without health benefits. For negotiation, it is advisable to highlight specializations, such as OCS/SCS certifications, and leverage experience in productivity models unique to Fort Smith's job market.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith. 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