Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Orlando, FL: $50.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Orlando, FL runs $50.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Orlando's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.4, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,413 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Orlando, Florida, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $50.01, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate can be highly beneficial for those seeking part-time positions or per-diem work within varied settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For physical therapists working three days a week, the flexibility allows for a balanced lifestyle while earning from $38.56 to $59.09 per hour, based on experience and employer type. With a robust demand for services, this profession offers not just stable income but also a range of opportunities that align well with different career goals and personal circumstances.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.56 | $308.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.30 | $330.41 |
| Median (P50) | $50.01 | $400.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.84 | $430.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.09 | $472.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orlando
Based on $50.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.01/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orlando, FL can expect to earn approximately $104,022 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,013. With a cost-of-living index of 101.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orlando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orlando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,000.43 | $8,669 | $104,022 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,200.26 | $5,201 | $62,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $800.17 | $3,467 | $41,609 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Orlando) | $50.01 |
| 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 Orlando, FL earn a median of $104,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.20% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% above the Florida state average of $102,591.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.01/hr = $62,413/year (purchasing power: $61,541).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,022/year (purchasing power: $102,568).
CoL index: 101.418 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Orlando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Orlando grew 10.5% from $44.17/hr (2019) to $48.81/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.24/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 Orlando 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 Orlando
Considering the financial aspects, a physical therapist working part-time with a schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $62,063 annually, which reflects a significant difference compared to full-time earnings. The landscape for per diem physical therapist pay in Orlando varies, with typical billing rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour and travel contracts often yielding between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, including various stipends. Furthermore, those entering cash-pay settings, particularly in high-cost-of-living markets, can charge between $150 and $250 per hour. Hourly pay can differ significantly based on the type of employer, with outpatient clinics generally offering different rates compared to hospital inpatient roles or home health agencies. While some therapists might opt for positions offering lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits, others prefer the flexibility and higher rates associated with independent practices. When negotiating hourly wages in Orlando, understanding the dynamics of each employer type and being informed about market rates can provide an advantageous edge.
More salary data for Orlando, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Orlando in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Orlando?
Are physical therapists in Orlando paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Orlando?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Orlando?
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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 Orlando. 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