Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Gary, IN: $48.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Gary, IN runs $48.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,987 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Gary's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,598 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gary, Indiana, the compensation for physical therapists translates to a median hourly pay of $48.56, which stands slightly below the national median of $50.62. For professionals working part-time, such as those operating three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a viable earning potential that can supplement income effectively, particularly in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and during home health visits. The hourly range here allows entry-level physical therapists to start at approximately $35.56, while experienced professionals can earn up to $66.13, reflecting significant growth opportunities within the field. This variation is essential for both full-time staff and per-diem workers, who need to account for varying wages in different settings while managing workload and overall earning capacity.
About the Gary Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.56 | $284.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.68 | $317.46 |
| Median (P50) | $48.56 | $388.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.07 | $448.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.13 | $529.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gary
Based on $48.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.56/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gary, IN can expect to earn approximately $100,996 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,267. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,942.23 | $8,416 | $100,996 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,165.34 | $5,050 | $60,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $776.89 | $3,367 | $40,398 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Gary) | $48.56 |
| 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 Gary, IN earn a median of $100,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $100,886.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.56/hr = $60,598/year (purchasing power: $66,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,996/year (purchasing power: $110,620).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Gary grew 14.9% from $41.25/hr (2019) to $47.39/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.75/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 Gary 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 Gary
Part-time physical therapists in Gary typically clock in about 24 hours each week, potentially resulting in annual earnings considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. For instance, a part-time therapist would take home around $56,388 per year, while those in full-time roles can expect higher earnings aligned with their more substantial work commitments. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist pay in Gary can fluctuate significantly, with billing rates often ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, making agency work attractive for some. Furthermore, traveling PT contracts may bring in weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, depending on location and stipends. In Gary, hourly rates can differ across employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically on the lower end, while specialized roles in skilled nursing facilities and sports medicine may offer more competitive pay. Many therapists weigh the trade-offs between slightly lower hourly wages for access to health benefits versus pursuing higher pay with no additional coverage. Negotiating effective hourly rates can make a significant difference, particularly as the job markets shift in response to changing healthcare dynamics and reimbursement models.
More salary data for Gary, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Gary in 2026?
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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 Gary. 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 Gary 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