Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $45.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Van Buren, AR runs $45.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,049 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,030 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Van Buren, Arkansas, earn a median hourly rate of $45.70, which falls below the national median of $50.62. This wage reflects the local market dynamics, as physical therapists often find work in various settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week, this translates into impactful earnings that can help support their living expenses, even though they might lack the benefits that accompany full-time roles. The hourly pay range for these professionals in Van Buren reflects their experience level—from entry-level positions starting around $37.64 to more seasoned therapists earning up to $58.13 hourly.
About the Van Buren Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.64 | $301.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.00 | $320.00 |
| Median (P50) | $45.70 | $365.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.44 | $427.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.13 | $465.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $45.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.70/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $95,050 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,837. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,827.89 | $7,921 | $95,050 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,096.73 | $4,753 | $57,030 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.15 | $3,168 | $38,020 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Van Buren) | $45.70 |
| 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 Van Buren, AR earn a median of $95,049 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.72% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $102,424.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.70/hr = $57,030/year (purchasing power: $65,627).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,050/year (purchasing power: $109,379).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Van Buren grew 14.9% from $38.82/hr (2019) to $44.60/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.82/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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren
Considering the potential earnings from specific work arrangements, a part-time physical therapist working 24 hours a week could bring home a healthier annual income compared to a full-time counterpart by strategically pursuing higher-paying per diem positions. Many per diem physical therapists in Van Buren can command rates ranging between $50 to $75 an hour, significantly enhancing their take-home pay, especially in high-demand specialties. Additionally, travel physical therapy contracts may yield lucrative weekly stipends between $1,800 to $2,800 while cash-pay models in sports medicine can charge clients upwards of $150-$250 per hour. The trade-off in this profession often comes down to prioritizing the hourly rate against the inclusion of benefits like health insurance. Those in outpatient clinics might accept lower hourly earnings while gaining stability, whereas others opt for higher pay through freelance or per diem work, potentially sacrificing benefits in the process. Negotiating for higher hourly pay in Van Buren can hinge on demonstrating productivity or specialized skill sets, especially in a market where outpatient chains are consolidating and adjusting their compensation models.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Van Buren 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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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