Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Gainesville, GA: $45.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Gainesville, GA runs $45.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,583 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gainesville, Georgia, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $45.34, which is lower than the national median of $50.62. This discrepancy reflects the regional dynamics of the healthcare job market, making Gainesville an attractive option for part-time and per-diem physical therapists. Working in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation units, a therapist's hourly pay can range from $35.83 for entry-level positions to $60.79 for those at the top of the pay scale. These official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates for 2026 highlight the potential for flexibility in scheduling, allowing therapists working three days per week to achieve a stable income while managing their personal commitments.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.83 | $286.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.93 | $319.43 |
| Median (P50) | $45.34 | $362.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.81 | $438.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.79 | $486.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $45.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.34/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, GA can expect to earn approximately $94,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,406. With a cost-of-living index of 96.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,813.54 | $7,859 | $94,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,088.13 | $4,715 | $56,583 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $725.42 | $3,143 | $37,722 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Gainesville) | $45.34 |
| 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 Gainesville, GA earn a median of $94,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.44% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 8.80% below the Georgia state average of $103,392.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.34/hr = $56,583/year (purchasing power: $58,474).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,304/year (purchasing power: $97,456).
CoL index: 96.766 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Gainesville grew 4.8% from $42.24/hr (2019) to $44.25/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.45/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
The earning potential for a part-time physical therapist in Gainesville can be significant. A professional working 24 hours a week could see their annual income dip below that of a full-time colleague, but it's essential to factor in the flexibility and life balance such a schedule allows. On the other hand, per-diem positions offer rates between $50 to $75 per hour, and travel contracts can net as much as $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including stipends. Hourly rates vary widely depending on the employer, with outpatient clinics often offering lower pay compared to hospital settings but potentially including productivity bonuses. Physical therapists must weigh the pros and cons of accepting a lower hourly rate for job security and benefits, especially in light of the shift toward cash-pay practices in certain markets. Negotiation techniques can be beneficial for securing better compensation; understanding the local market and being willing to discuss hourly pay based on skill, experience, and productivity can lead to more favorable outcomes in Gainesville’s evolving therapy landscape.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Gainesville. 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