Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Valdosta, GA: $47.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Valdosta, GA runs $47.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,437 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Valdosta's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.3, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,664 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, the median physical therapist hourly rate is projected to be $47.81 in 2026. This figure sits below the national median of $50.62, indicating a slight regional wage discrepancy. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into an annual income that can support a comfortable living, especially in a city with a cost of living index of 88.271, which is lower than the national average. Physical therapists in Valdosta see a broad range in hourly pay, from $31.27 for entry-level positions to $65.30 for seasoned professionals. This wide range reflects the varying demand for services in settings like outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and skilled nursing facilities, making the hourly pay for physical therapists in Valdosta quite competitive within the local job market.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.27 | $250.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.98 | $287.87 |
| Median (P50) | $47.81 | $382.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.34 | $458.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.30 | $522.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valdosta
Based on $47.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.81/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valdosta, GA can expect to earn approximately $99,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,369. With a cost-of-living index of 88.27 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valdosta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valdosta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,912.31 | $8,287 | $99,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,147.39 | $4,972 | $59,664 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.93 | $3,315 | $39,776 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Valdosta) | $47.81 |
| 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 Valdosta, GA earn a median of $99,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.56% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.80% below the Georgia state average of $103,365.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.81/hr = $59,664/year (purchasing power: $67,592).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,440/year (purchasing power: $112,653).
CoL index: 88.271 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Valdosta grew 9.4% from $42.65/hr (2019) to $46.66/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.98/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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta
Understanding the dynamics of part-time and per diem work is critical for physical therapists in Valdosta. With a part-time schedule at about 24 hours per week, therapists may face different earning potentials compared to full-time colleagues, but still can bring home a respectable figure over time. Many per diem physical therapists bill between $50-$75 hourly, offering flexibility and a chance to increase income without the commitment of full-time work. Travel physical therapist contracts vary significantly but have been known to provide weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends. However, local hourly rates can differ based on employer type; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer lower hourly wages but might include productivity bonuses. The trade-off for some may entail choosing lower hourly pay with benefits over potentially higher rates without additional coverage. Physical therapists in Valdosta must also consider practical negotiation tactics, such as emphasizing their unique skills or specialization when discussing compensation with employers, especially in a competitive job market shaped by shifts in insurance reimbursement and trends in cash-pay clinics.
More salary data for Valdosta, 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 Valdosta. 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