Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Louisville, CO: $45.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Louisville, CO runs $45.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,363 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Louisville, Colorado, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $45.96 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This hourly wage reflects working conditions across various settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and home health visits. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the potential earnings can be significant but still differ widely, with entry-level positions starting at about $36.66 per hour and experienced professionals earning upwards of $57.09. The figures illustrate a salary structure that can accommodate both full-time and per-diem roles, offering flexibility for therapists seeking to balance work and lifestyle while still engaging in their professional passions.
About the Louisville 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) | $36.66 | $293.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.40 | $315.17 |
| Median (P50) | $45.96 | $367.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.01 | $424.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.09 | $456.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $45.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.96/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, CO can expect to earn approximately $95,604 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,156. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,838.54 | $7,967 | $95,604 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,103.13 | $4,780 | $57,363 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $735.42 | $3,187 | $38,242 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Louisville) | $45.96 |
| 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 Louisville, CO earn a median of $95,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.19% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.80% below the Colorado state average of $102,583.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.96/hr = $57,363/year (purchasing power: $54,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,604/year (purchasing power: $91,052).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Louisville grew 14.9% from $39.05/hr (2019) to $44.86/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.09/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
Considering part-time roles, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week would take home an estimated $54,850 annually, while a full-time counterpart could earn around $95,607 if working the standard hours. Per diem therapists, who often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, have the potential to earn even more, particularly if they pursue travel contracts that can range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week including stipends. In Louisville, the hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, with hospital systems typically offering better benefits but lower pay compared to cash-pay sports and orthopedic clinics that can charge $150 to $250 directly to patients. To navigate negotiations effectively, physical therapists should emphasize their unique value, especially in high-demand specialties, while weighing the trade-off of hourly wages against the benefits packages offered by larger employers in the region.
More salary data for Louisville, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Louisville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Louisville?
Are physical therapists in Louisville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Louisville?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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