Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $46.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Durango, CO runs $46.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,708 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durango, CO, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $46.24, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62 per hour. This hourly figure can influence the earning potential for part-time therapists working three days a week in various settings like outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation centers, and home health services. For those seeking per-diem opportunities, there’s a considerable hourly range, from $38.82 for entry-level positions to $58.04 for top earners, reflecting the diversity in experience and specialization. Besides, these numbers are derived from annual salary data, highlighting how hourly output can vary based on work environments and funding models within the healthcare sector.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.82 | $310.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.00 | $328.04 |
| Median (P50) | $46.24 | $369.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.90 | $415.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.04 | $464.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $46.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.24/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $96,180 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,488. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,849.61 | $8,015 | $96,180 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,109.76 | $4,809 | $57,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $739.84 | $3,206 | $38,472 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Durango) | $46.24 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $96,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $102,637.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.24/hr = $57,708/year (purchasing power: $54,960).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,180/year (purchasing power: $91,600).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Durango grew 14.9% from $39.28/hr (2019) to $45.13/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.38/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 Durango 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 Durango
Focusing on the financial implications, a physical therapist in Durango working part-time at 24 hours a week with the median pay would take home about $57,468 annually, which is substantially less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem physical therapists often command higher rates, typically billing between $50-$75 per hour, while travel contracts may offer between $1,800-$2,800 weekly, including stipends. Different employer types influence hourly rates significantly—those employed in outpatient orthopedic clinics may earn less compared to therapists in hospital settings or those specializing in high-demand areas like pediatrics or sports medicine. Additionally, some professionals seek out lower pay in exchange for benefits, making it essential to balance immediate hourly income against long-term job security and health coverage. Negotiating effectively, particularly by highlighting specialized skills or certifications, can yield a more favorable hourly rate in the competitive job market of Durango.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Durango 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 Durango. 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 Durango 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