Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Paducah, KY: $48.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Paducah, KY runs $48.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Paducah's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,071 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Paducah, Kentucky, the median hourly pay for physical therapists is set at $48.93, which reflects a slight decrease when compared to the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate positions local therapists well within the range suited for various work scenarios, including part-time and per-diem opportunities in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, rehab units, and home health care. Those starting in the field can expect to earn around $36.34 per hour, while top earners may reach up to $59.87. These figures are grounded in data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projecting the compensation landscape for physical therapists in 2026, highlighting the potential for a solid earning pathway in this rewarding profession.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.34 | $290.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.43 | $315.41 |
| Median (P50) | $48.93 | $391.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.62 | $452.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.87 | $478.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paducah
Based on $48.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.93/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paducah, KY can expect to earn approximately $101,785 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,722. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paducah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paducah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,957.40 | $8,482 | $101,785 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,174.44 | $5,089 | $61,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $782.96 | $3,393 | $40,714 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Paducah) | $48.93 |
| 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 Paducah, KY earn a median of $101,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.34% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.40% above the Kentucky state average of $99,388.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.93/hr = $61,071/year (purchasing power: $70,943).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,785/year (purchasing power: $118,239).
CoL index: 86.084 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Paducah grew 14.9% from $41.57/hr (2019) to $47.76/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.14/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 Paducah 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 Paducah
For physical therapists working part-time, particularly those on a 24-hour weekly schedule, annual earnings can vary significantly compared to full-time counterparts. Based on projected trends, these therapists may find themselves taking home around $61,396 yearly, which is a substantial income but still notably less than full-time professionals. In addition, per diem physical therapist pay in Paducah often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with those on travel contracts earning between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, including additional stipends. Hourly rates can differ across employer types, with outpatient clinics frequently offering lower pay compared to hospital systems that might provide better benefits. Consequently, some therapists may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security. Negotiating an hourly rate in Paducah should focus on leveraging these pressures in the field, aiming for competitive compensation that reflects experience and skill within the local market.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Paducah in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Paducah?
Are physical therapists in Paducah paid hourly or salary?
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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 Paducah. 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, 2-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