Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $50.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in South Portland, ME runs $50.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,938 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In South Portland, Maine, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $50.43, which is slightly below the national average of $50.62. This hourly rate provides a strong earning potential for those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For example, a physical therapist working three days a week can expect to make around $48,000 annually, while per-diem providers in outpatient settings often charge between $50 and $75 per hour. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $40.73 and experienced therapists earning up to $65.23 per hour in specialized settings like sports performance centers or home health visits. Overall, the figures reflect a competitive landscape for physical therapist hourly pay in South Portland as they adapt to diverse work arrangements.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.73 | $325.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.84 | $342.71 |
| Median (P50) | $50.43 | $403.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.32 | $474.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.23 | $521.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $50.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.43/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $104,896 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,517. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,017.23 | $8,741 | $104,896 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,210.34 | $5,245 | $62,938 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.89 | $3,497 | $41,958 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (South Portland) | $50.43 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $104,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.37% lower than the national median of $105,288.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.43/hr = $62,938/year (purchasing power: $63,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,896/year (purchasing power: $105,317).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in South Portland grew 14.9% from $42.84/hr (2019) to $49.22/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.67/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 South Portland 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 South Portland
Considering the earning potential in South Portland, part-time physical therapists working an average of 24 hours a week can balance their income while managing other responsibilities. Depending on the work environment, per diem physical therapists might earn significantly more per hour compared to their full-time counterparts due to flexible schedules. Travel physical therapy contracts, for instance, can provide incomes ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, thereby offering opportunities for enhanced earnings outside typical practice settings. Different employer types influence hourly rates, with outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower pay than hospitals, where benefits might offset the difference in pay. Therapists may choose to negotiate based on their experience, specialty certifications, or willingness to accept lower pay for healthcare benefits, especially given the evolving trends in cash-pay versus insurance practices. As therapists consider their options in South Portland, understanding these dynamics and local market conditions will be critical for optimizing their professional choices.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in South Portland?
Are physical therapists in South Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in South Portland?
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Related Pages
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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 South Portland. 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 South Portland 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