Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $48.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Erie, CO runs $48.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, physical therapists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $48.82, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a strong earning potential for part-time and per-diem physical therapists, frequently employed in settings like outpatient clinic gyms and inpatient rehabilitation units. Those working part-time, typically three days a week, can find this hourly pay beneficial for balancing work with other commitments while focusing on patient care. For entry-level positions, hourly pay starts at approximately $37.36, whereas experienced therapists can command up to $60.71 per hour. This range reflects not only the experience of the therapist but also the specific type of facility and region they serve, with estimates derived from annual salary data adjusted for hourly rates.
About the Erie 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) | $37.36 | $298.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.04 | $328.28 |
| Median (P50) | $48.82 | $390.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.95 | $447.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.71 | $485.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $48.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.82/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $101,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,587. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,952.89 | $8,463 | $101,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,171.73 | $5,078 | $60,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.16 | $3,385 | $40,620 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Erie) | $48.82 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $101,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.55% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $102,680.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.82/hr = $60,930/year (purchasing power: $58,029).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,550/year (purchasing power: $96,714).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Erie grew 14.9% from $41.47/hr (2019) to $47.65/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.02/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 Erie 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 Erie
Examining the part-time earning potential in Erie reveals that a physical therapist working a three-day week, totalling around 24 hours, could earn approximately $59,000 annually. In contrast, full-time therapists pulling in a median income may have significantly higher yearly earnings, leading them to consider their work environments carefully. Moreover, per-diem physical therapist pay in Erie typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts can pay between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, often including stipends for housing. The type of employer has a considerable impact on hourly pay; outpatient orthopedic clinics such as Athletico may offer different compensation compared to hospital systems or skilled nursing facilities. Many therapists find themselves weighing the trade-off between accepting lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance versus the opportunity to earn more without benefits, such as those found in cash-pay practices. Understanding these dynamics, along with negotiating for better pay in Erie, can make a significant difference in long-term career satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Erie?
Are physical therapists in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Erie?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
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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 Erie. 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 Erie 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