Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Waterbury, CT: $50.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Waterbury, CT runs $50.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Waterbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,066 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterbury, Connecticut, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists stands at $50.53, slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate reflects the earning potential for those working in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For part-time therapists who may work around three days a week, earning potential may be substantial, providing a competitive salary even on a reduced schedule. Entry-level physical therapists can expect to earn approximately $39.82 per hour, while top earners can achieve rates up to $62.23 per hour. These figures are based on official estimates from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and give a rounded perspective on what practitioners may expect in terms of physical therapist hourly pay in Waterbury.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.82 | $318.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.15 | $377.22 |
| Median (P50) | $50.53 | $404.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.14 | $433.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.23 | $497.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterbury
Based on $50.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.53/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterbury, CT can expect to earn approximately $105,109 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,640. With a cost-of-living index of 99.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,021.33 | $8,759 | $105,109 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,212.80 | $5,255 | $63,066 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $808.53 | $3,504 | $42,044 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Waterbury) | $50.53 |
| 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 Waterbury, CT earn a median of $105,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.17% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.40% below the Connecticut state average of $105,536.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.53/hr = $63,066/year (purchasing power: $63,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,109/year (purchasing power: $105,343).
CoL index: 99.778 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Waterbury grew 11.2% from $44.35/hr (2019) to $49.32/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.78/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 Waterbury 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 Waterbury
When considering part-time work, a physical therapist clocking in at 24 hours per week could see an annual take-home income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. This contrasts starkly with per diem positions, where compensation for a per diem physical therapist in Waterbury usually falls between $50 and $75 per hour. For travel contracts, therapists might earn weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, offered alongside additional travel stipends. Waterbury’s hourly rates also vary across employer types; for example, those working in outpatient orthopedic clinics might receive lower hourly pay compared to those employed in hospitals, where each setting has its own benefits structure. Some therapists may choose a lower hourly option to secure health benefits, whereas others opt for higher rates without additional perks. Those seeking to negotiate their hourly rate should consider tailoring their approach based on the demand for skilled physical therapists, compliance with CMS reimbursement rates, and their own career goals, ensuring they find a balance that suits their professional and personal lives.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Waterbury 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 Waterbury. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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