Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in East Hartford, CT: $50.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in East Hartford, CT runs $50.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against East Hartford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Hartford, Connecticut, the projected median physical therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $50.94, slightly surpassing the national median of $50.62. This rate offers an appealing pathway for those considering part-time opportunities in various settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, hospital rehab units, and home health visits. For a physical therapist working part-time three days a week, this hourly compensation can provide a stable income. However, entry-level positions start around $39.07, while top earners can make up to $66.61 per hour. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the growing demand for physical therapy services across diverse environments, including sports performance centers and pediatric therapy rooms.
About the East Hartford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.07 | $312.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.95 | $343.61 |
| Median (P50) | $50.94 | $407.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.06 | $480.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.61 | $532.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Hartford
Based on $50.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.94/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Hartford, CT can expect to earn approximately $105,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,132. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Hartford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Hartford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,037.72 | $8,830 | $105,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,222.63 | $5,298 | $63,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $815.09 | $3,532 | $42,385 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (East Hartford) | $50.94 |
| 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 East Hartford, CT earn a median of $105,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.40% above the Connecticut state average of $105,546.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.94/hr = $63,577/year (purchasing power: $58,922).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,962/year (purchasing power: $98,204).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in East Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in East Hartford grew 14.9% from $43.28/hr (2019) to $49.72/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.20/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 East Hartford 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 East Hartford
The earning potential for part-time physical therapists in East Hartford can be substantial. A therapist working only 24 hours a week could expect to bring home around $49,711 annually, depending on case load and settings. For those pursuing per diem work, the pay structure is quite varied; many per diem physical therapists earn between $50 and $75 per hour, while some travel contracts can yield $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, inclusive of stipends. Though outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer competitive rates, therapists often face high productivity expectations driven by reimbursement pressures. Strategies for negotiation can include asserting one's value based on training, whether dually certified or specializing in areas recognized by the APTA, while weighing the trade-off between higher hourly rates and the benefits that come with traditional employment, particularly in an evolving landscape where cash-pay and insurance practices are constantly changing.
More salary data for East Hartford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in East Hartford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in East Hartford?
Are physical therapists in East Hartford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in East Hartford?
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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 East Hartford. 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 East Hartford 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