Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Smyrna, DE: $47.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Smyrna, DE runs $47.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,200 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Delaware, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $47.70, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This pay rate is significant for physical therapists working in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. For those considering part-time employment, say three days a week, this hourly wage can translate effectively into a sustainable income, even if it's less than what full-time providers earn. Additionally, the hourly range in Smyrna allows for entry-level professionals to begin at approximately $39.13, while more experienced therapists can earn up to $58.75 an hour. These figures reflect projections for 2026, derived from the analysis of 2025 BLS data.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.13 | $313.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.63 | $333.04 |
| Median (P50) | $47.70 | $381.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.73 | $437.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.75 | $470.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $47.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.70/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, DE can expect to earn approximately $99,206 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,234. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,907.81 | $8,267 | $99,206 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,144.68 | $4,960 | $59,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $763.12 | $3,307 | $39,682 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Smyrna) | $47.70 |
| 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 Smyrna, DE earn a median of $99,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $107,127.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.70/hr = $59,524/year (purchasing power: $58,529).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,206/year (purchasing power: $97,548).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Smyrna grew 14.9% from $40.52/hr (2019) to $46.55/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.87/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
When examining earning potential, part-time physical therapists in Smyrna who work a typical 24-hour week would take home around $59,856 annually, which is considerably lower than a full-time therapist's potential earnings. For those pursuing per diem roles, the pay can vary widely, with per diem physical therapist pay in Smyrna often ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Those on travel contracts may receive weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, plus stipends, making this option quite lucrative. Furthermore, hourly rates differ based on employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics versus hospital systems, with the latter often providing more comprehensive benefits. Physical therapists should weigh the immediate financial gains of higher hourly rates without benefits against the security provided by consistent employment. Negotiating for hourly rates in Smyrna should also involve awareness of the various local practice models, including cash-pay versus insurance-based settings, to maximize earning potential within this competitive field.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Smyrna?
Are physical therapists in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Smyrna?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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