Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $51.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Manchester, CT runs $51.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, physical therapists command a median hourly pay of $51.17, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate significantly benefits part-time professionals who work around three days a week, taking home a substantial income while balancing personal commitments. Typical work settings include outpatient clinic gyms, hospital rehab units, and skilled nursing facilities, allowing flexibility and diverse experiences in the field. For entry-level therapists, starting wages may reach around $37.87 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command as much as $67.32 hourly, reflecting the competitive landscape in Manchester’s healthcare market. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates projected from 2025 BLS data, demonstrating the financial viability of a career in physical therapy in this region.
About the Manchester 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) | $37.87 | $302.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.27 | $338.20 |
| Median (P50) | $51.17 | $409.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.57 | $484.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.32 | $538.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $51.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.17/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $106,431 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,402. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,046.74 | $8,869 | $106,431 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,228.04 | $5,322 | $63,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.70 | $3,548 | $42,572 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Manchester) | $51.17 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $106,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $105,586.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.17/hr = $63,858/year (purchasing power: $59,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,431/year (purchasing power: $98,638).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Manchester grew 14.9% from $43.47/hr (2019) to $49.94/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.43/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Looking at the earning potential for part-time physical therapists, those working 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual income of approximately $49,859, positioning them well within the profession's standards for a balanced work-life dynamic. In contrast, per diem physical therapists often experience variable pay, billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel PT opportunities can enhance earnings significantly, with contracts running between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, including various stipends. Moreover, specialization in sports or orthopedic therapy can yield direct-pay options of $150 to $250 per hour in high-cost-of-living markets. While outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates due to budget constraints, they often provide additional benefits like health insurance, which some therapists may prioritize over higher immediate pay at agency or locum roles. When negotiating, physical therapists should highlight their certifications, productivity levels, and specialty skills to command competitive pay reflective of their expertise in the Manchester health landscape.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Manchester 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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