Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Norwalk, CT: $50.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Norwalk, CT runs $50.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Norwalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norwalk, Connecticut, physical therapists can expect a median hourly rate of $50.49, which is slightly below the national average of $50.62. This hourly wage supports diverse working arrangements, making it ideal for those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or for per-diem professionals who often seek flexibility in their schedules. The pay range for physical therapists in Norwalk varies significantly, from about $36.45 for entry-level positions to $68.16 for top earners in lucrative roles. Most of these professionals work in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. The hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the evolving compensation landscape for physical therapists in this competitive market.
About the Norwalk 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) | $36.45 | $291.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.90 | $327.22 |
| Median (P50) | $50.49 | $403.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.92 | $487.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.16 | $545.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwalk
Based on $50.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.49/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwalk, CT can expect to earn approximately $105,024 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,591. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,019.69 | $8,752 | $105,024 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,211.81 | $5,251 | $63,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $807.88 | $3,501 | $42,010 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Norwalk) | $50.49 |
| 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 Norwalk, CT earn a median of $105,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.50% below the Connecticut state average of $105,553.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.49/hr = $63,014/year (purchasing power: $58,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,024/year (purchasing power: $97,335).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Norwalk grew 14.9% from $42.89/hr (2019) to $49.28/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.73/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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
The hourly pay dynamics for physical therapists in Norwalk highlight an intriguing contrast between part-time and full-time earnings. A physical therapist working three days a week at this hourly rate could take home roughly $37,000 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart who would make over $105,000 each year. Moreover, the per diem physical therapist pay in Norwalk often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with more experienced professionals or those in specialized roles potentially billing at higher rates. Additionally, travel PT contracts can yield weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, including various stipends. The hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer; for instance, hospital systems may offer better benefits but might pay less than outpatient orthopedic clinics, which are currently more prevalent due to market consolidation. Negotiating pay can involve weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security of health insurance and retirement plans, a balance that many professionals carefully consider when evaluating potential employers in Norwalk.
More salary data for Norwalk, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Norwalk in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Norwalk?
Are physical therapists in Norwalk paid hourly or salary?
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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 Norwalk. 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 Norwalk 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