Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $48.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Columbus, GA runs $48.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,431 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $48.42, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This rate is significant for those considering part-time positions, as physical therapists working three days a week typically have the potential to earn a stable income while maintaining a work-life balance. For per-diem workers, the hourly compensation can vary widely, making settings like outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, and home health visits viable opportunities. Entry-level therapists might earn closer to $36.13 per hour, while those in top positions can command up to $62.79 per hour, reflecting a healthy range for professionals across different environments.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.13 | $289.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.74 | $325.90 |
| Median (P50) | $48.42 | $387.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.47 | $467.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.79 | $502.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $48.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.42/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $100,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,107. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,936.90 | $8,393 | $100,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,162.14 | $5,036 | $60,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.76 | $3,357 | $40,288 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Columbus) | $48.42 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $100,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.60% below the Georgia state average of $103,407.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.42/hr = $60,431/year (purchasing power: $67,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,719/year (purchasing power: $112,792).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+8.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbus grew 3.1% from $45.85/hr (2019) to $47.26/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.61/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For part-time physical therapists in Columbus, working 24 hours a week could equate to an annual income considerably less than that of full-time counterparts, estimated at $37,950 versus approximately $100,718 for those employed full-time. When considering per-diem opportunities, therapists can expect varying pay scales — often billing between $50-$75 per hour, with travel contracts reaching $1,800-$2,800 per week. The hourly rates can also differ by employer type; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly pay compared to inpatient rehab hospitals that provide health benefits. Many professionals must weigh the trade-off between a higher hourly rate without insurance benefits and a lower rate with health coverage. For those negotiating their hourly pay, being well-informed about the range of $36.13 to $62.79 and emphasizing specialized skills can strengthen your position in discussions.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Columbus?
Are physical therapists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Columbus?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
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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 Columbus. 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