Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Potomac, MD: $53.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Potomac, MD runs $53.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Potomac's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,966 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Potomac, Maryland, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists in 2026 is $53.66, which exceeds the national hourly median of $50.62 by approximately 6%. This competitive hourly rate is beneficial for physical therapists working part-time or those choosing per-diem positions. For instance, a physical therapist working three days a week could expect to earn around $2,573.95 weekly, making roles in outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or home health settings potentially lucrative. The hourly wage range spans from $39.44 at the entry level to $69.68 for top earners, showcasing diverse earning potential within the profession in Potomac.
About the Potomac Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.44 | $315.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.04 | $376.32 |
| Median (P50) | $53.66 | $429.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.41 | $507.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.68 | $557.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Potomac
Based on $53.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.66/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Potomac, MD can expect to earn approximately $111,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,390. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Potomac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Potomac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,146.33 | $9,301 | $111,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,287.80 | $5,580 | $66,966 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $858.53 | $3,720 | $44,644 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Potomac) | $53.66 |
| 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 Potomac, MD earn a median of $111,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.00% below the Maryland state average of $115,057.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.66/hr = $66,966/year (purchasing power: $61,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,609/year (purchasing power: $102,113).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Potomac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Potomac grew 14.9% from $45.58/hr (2019) to $52.37/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.98/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 Potomac 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 Potomac
For those considering part-time work, the financial landscape varies significantly depending on hours and employment model. A part-time physical therapist, working 24 hours a week, could take home over $67,000 annually, a substantial income despite not working full-time. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapists have the flexibility of controlling their schedules while billing between $50 to $75 per hour. Some travel PT contracts even yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, inclusive of stipends. The hourly rates can differ across employer types, with outpatient orthopedic settings often paying less than hospital systems but providing the potential for productivity bonuses, particularly in these higher-pressure environments. Physical therapists must weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance against potentially higher per diem rates without benefits. Those negotiating their hourly rates in Potomac could benefit from emphasizing their specialization, experience, and the local demand for various physical therapy services when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Potomac, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Potomac in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Potomac?
Are physical therapists in Potomac paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Potomac?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Potomac?
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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 Potomac. 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 Potomac 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