Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Meridian, ID: $46.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Meridian, ID runs $46.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,737 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,439 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Idaho, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $46.03 in 2026, which sits below the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate presents a viable opportunity for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers who may work in settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers. Physical therapists in entry-level positions may earn around $35.35 per hour, while experienced practitioners at the top of the pay scale can command up to $62.30 per hour. The local data provides insight into how hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, offering prospective therapists a solid understanding of the earning potential based on experience and the specific therapeutic environment they choose.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.35 | $282.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.03 | $312.22 |
| Median (P50) | $46.03 | $368.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.68 | $429.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.30 | $498.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $46.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.03/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, ID can expect to earn approximately $95,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,230. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,841.00 | $7,978 | $95,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,104.60 | $4,787 | $57,439 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $736.40 | $3,191 | $38,293 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Meridian) | $46.03 |
| 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 Meridian, ID earn a median of $95,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.07% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $95,355.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.03/hr = $57,439/year (purchasing power: $60,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,732/year (purchasing power: $100,453).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Meridian grew 14.9% from $39.10/hr (2019) to $44.92/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.16/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
For part-time physical therapists working three days a week, equating to approximately 24 hours, the annual income can be considerable but will not match that of a full-time therapist. In contrast, per-diem arrangements offer flexible scheduling, with pay rates often ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts provide even higher compensation, between $1,800 and $2,800 per week. The type of employer significantly affects hourly wages; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower rates with potential productivity bonuses, while inpatient and skilled nursing facilities could provide more steady employment with comprehensive benefits. Therapists often weigh the trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. For those in Meridian, negotiating higher pay while highlighting relevant credentials or specialty skills is essential to maximize earnings within the field.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Meridian?
Are physical therapists in Meridian paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Meridian?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Meridian?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Meridian. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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