Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in West Haven, CT: $49.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in West Haven, CT runs $49.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,145 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against West Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In West Haven, Connecticut, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $49.59 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem workers employed in various settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation units within hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and even home health visits. For those opting for part-time work at three days a week, this hourly pay can enable a reasonable income while allowing for flexibility in scheduling. Additionally, entry-level therapists might start around $38.38 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $65.14 per hour. It’s important to understand that these figures are estimated from annual salary data and reflect the competitive landscape for physical therapists in the area.
About the West Haven 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) | $38.38 | $307.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.07 | $336.56 |
| Median (P50) | $49.59 | $396.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.80 | $470.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.14 | $521.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Haven
Based on $49.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.59/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Haven, CT can expect to earn approximately $103,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,509. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,983.63 | $8,596 | $103,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,190.18 | $5,157 | $61,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.45 | $3,438 | $41,259 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (West Haven) | $49.59 |
| 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 West Haven, CT earn a median of $103,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.04% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $105,574.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.59/hr = $61,889/year (purchasing power: $57,358).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,149/year (purchasing power: $95,596).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in West Haven grew 14.9% from $42.13/hr (2019) to $48.40/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.81/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 West Haven 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 West Haven
The earning potential for physical therapists operating in West Haven can vary significantly based on employment type and work arrangements. Take, for example, a part-time physical therapist working 24 hours per week: their annual earnings would hover around $62,859, which contrasts sharply with the income of full-time therapists who can earn substantially more if they work a standard 40-hour week. The reality for per diem physical therapists is even more varied; many bill between $50 and $75 hourly, while travel contracts may yield weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, inclusive of stipends. Moreover, specialized practitioners in sports medicine can often charge between $150 and $250 per visit in higher-cost living areas like West Haven. Different employer types also affect hourly rates, with outpatient clinics generally offering less than hospital systems, yet often providing productivity bonuses. Many therapists face a trade-off between pursuing higher hourly rates without benefits and accepting lower hourly pay for the security of health insurance. It’s essential for physical therapists negotiating their hourly pay in West Haven to consider these dynamics carefully, weighing the value of benefits against the hourly rate they seek.
More salary data for West Haven, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in West Haven in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in West Haven?
Are physical therapists in West Haven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in West Haven?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in West Haven?
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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 West Haven. 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 West Haven 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