Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $45.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Golden, CO runs $45.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,466 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,685 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Golden, Colorado, earn a median hourly rate of $45.42, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national median hourly pay of $50.62. This rate provides insight into the earnings of part-time therapists working three days a week, as well as those pursuing per-diem opportunities in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. The hourly wage for physical therapists in Golden ranges from $36.72 on the lower end for entry-level positions to $56.93 for top earners. It is essential to recognize that these figures are derived from annual salary data, indicating the competitive landscape in which physical therapists operate in the local market.
About the Golden 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) | $36.72 | $293.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.28 | $314.27 |
| Median (P50) | $45.42 | $363.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.70 | $421.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.93 | $455.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $45.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.42/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $94,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,505. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,816.82 | $7,873 | $94,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,090.09 | $4,724 | $56,685 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.73 | $3,149 | $37,790 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Golden) | $45.42 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $94,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.28% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $102,681.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.42/hr = $56,685/year (purchasing power: $53,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,475/year (purchasing power: $89,976).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Golden grew 14.9% from $38.58/hr (2019) to $44.33/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.54/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 Golden 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 Golden
For part-time physical therapists working 24 hours weekly, the annual take-home earnings can present a stark contrast to full-time counterparts, particularly in Golden's diverse healthcare environment. Per diem physical therapists typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, and travel contracts can bring in weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, which includes stipends and benefits. The compensation can vary significantly across different types of employers in Golden, with outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico or hospital systems often offering different pay scales. Some therapists might accept lower hourly rates for added benefits such as healthcare coverage, while others may prefer higher pay in cash-pay settings, especially in specialized areas like sports medicine or orthopedics. Negotiating effectively requires an understanding of these dynamics, considering both overall compensation and specific employer offerings to optimize earning potential in the physical therapy field.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Golden in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Golden?
Are physical therapists in Golden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Golden?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Golden?
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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 Golden. 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 Golden 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