Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $52.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Louisville, KY runs $52.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,022 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, Kentucky, physical therapists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $52.10 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate reflects both the demand for skilled therapists and the cost of living in the area, which is rated at 89.3, indicating it is lower than the national average. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates to an annual income of approximately $40,000 before tax, making the profession viable for those seeking flexibility. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn about $36.15 per hour, while top earners in the field can make up to $70.83, providing a wide range for salary expectations depending on experience, employer type, and specific roles, whether in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, or even home health settings.
About the Louisville 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) | $36.15 | $289.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.45 | $331.56 |
| Median (P50) | $52.10 | $416.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.65 | $501.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.83 | $566.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $52.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.10/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $108,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,521. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,084.04 | $9,031 | $108,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,250.42 | $5,418 | $65,022 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $833.61 | $3,612 | $43,348 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Louisville) | $52.10 |
| 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 Louisville, KY earn a median of $108,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.93% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $99,428.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.10/hr = $65,022/year (purchasing power: $72,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,370/year (purchasing power: $121,355).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Louisville grew 14.9% from $44.26/hr (2019) to $50.85/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.38/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
When considering the financial implications of different employment structures, part-time therapists in Louisville face unique earning potentials compared to their full-time counterparts. For those working on a per-diem basis, the typical rates generally fall between $50 and $75 per hour, making this a lucrative option for professionals seeking to maximize work-life balance. Per diem physical therapist pay in Louisville can become particularly appealing when compared to travel contracts, where therapists might command pay of $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including additional per diem stipends. Job settings significantly influence pay as well; outpatient clinics often offer reduced rates, while hospital systems might provide more comprehensive compensation packages, including health insurance. As the industry continues to evolve, therapists often weigh higher hourly rates against benefits, making negotiation essential in a competitive market. To enhance their bargaining power, practitioners should familiarize themselves with the specifics of employer offerings and current local trends in physical therapist hourly pay within Kentucky.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Louisville in 2026?
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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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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