Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Frankfort, KY: $46.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Frankfort, KY runs $46.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Frankfort's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Frankfort, Kentucky, the projected physical therapist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $46.81, which falls below the national median of $50.62. This hourly wage reflects a dynamic environment for physical therapists who may work in settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, or home health services. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a regular paycheck that can provide substantial income without committing to a full-time schedule. Moreover, entry-level physical therapists can expect rates starting at $35.24 per hour, while those at the top of their game might earn up to $61.83 per hour, illustrating the potential for advanced specialists to capitalize on their expertise while working within diverse patient care environments.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.24 | $281.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.77 | $310.17 |
| Median (P50) | $46.81 | $374.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.10 | $432.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.83 | $494.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frankfort
Based on $46.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.81/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frankfort, KY can expect to earn approximately $97,373 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,177. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Frankfort.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frankfort
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,872.56 | $8,114 | $97,373 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,123.54 | $4,869 | $58,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.02 | $3,246 | $38,949 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Frankfort) | $46.81 |
| 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 Frankfort, KY earn a median of $97,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $99,364.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.81/hr = $58,424/year (purchasing power: $65,424).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,373/year (purchasing power: $109,040).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Frankfort grew 14.9% from $39.77/hr (2019) to $45.69/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.97/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 Frankfort 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 Frankfort
The earnings potential is particularly notable for those considering part-time work or per-diem arrangements in Frankfort. A physical therapist taking on a three-day workweek, totaling roughly 24 hours, could expect to earn around $55,230 annually, a respectable sum compared to full-time roles. Per diem physical therapists often command higher hourly rates, typically ranging from $50 to $75 for immediate needs, and travel contracts can offer earnings upwards of $2,800 per week including living stipends. Different employment types influence hourly earnings significantly: outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide lower base rates compared to hospitals that offer benefits yet might not match the per-hour earnings of cash-pay specialists, who command $150 to $250 in high-cost areas. Balancing benefits versus higher pay can be a strategic decision for physical therapists in Frankfort. Effective negotiation tailored to the local job market can also yield better hourly rates, enhancing overall job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
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 Frankfort. 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 Frankfort 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