Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Augusta, GA: $47.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Augusta, GA runs $47.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,792 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, Georgia, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $47.91, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $50.62. This rate can have a significant impact on those working in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and even home health environments. For part-time therapists who may work three days a week, this translates to a viable income, while per-diem therapists can experience more variability in earnings based on demand and availability. For instance, entry-level physical therapists may earn as little as $37.13 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $60.69 per hour. This official BLS data provides insight into the financial expectations for physical therapists in Augusta, with a broad range that accommodates various levels of experience and employment situations.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.13 | $297.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.31 | $322.46 |
| Median (P50) | $47.91 | $383.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.04 | $440.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.69 | $485.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $47.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.91/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, GA can expect to earn approximately $99,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,492. With a cost-of-living index of 91.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,916.41 | $8,304 | $99,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,149.85 | $4,983 | $59,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $766.56 | $3,322 | $39,861 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Augusta) | $47.91 |
| 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 Augusta, GA earn a median of $99,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.35% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $103,374.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.91/hr = $59,792/year (purchasing power: $65,060).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,653/year (purchasing power: $108,433).
CoL index: 91.903 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Augusta grew 13.0% from $41.38/hr (2019) to $46.76/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.09/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 Augusta 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 Augusta
Looking deeper into the earning potential, a physical therapist working part-time for 24 hours a week would take home around $59,996.56 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Many therapists opt for per diem work, which offers flexibility but also variable earnings, often ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. This model is attractive for those seeking autonomy or higher pay rates available in travel contracts, which can yield weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800 plus stipends. Differences in hourly rates across various employers in Augusta also come into play. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Athletico may offer lower base pay combined with productivity bonuses, whereas hospital systems typically provide more stable salaries with benefits. Some professionals choose practices that emphasize direct cash-pay models, allowing them to bill $150 to $250 hourly, bypassing insurance hassles altogether. As cost of living considerations remain top-of-mind, particularly in Augusta's relatively lower cost environment, negotiating for better hourly rates while considering health benefits becomes a practical reality for many in this field.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Augusta in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Augusta?
Are physical therapists in Augusta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Augusta?
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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 Augusta. 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