Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Ann Arbor, MI: $52.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Ann Arbor, MI runs $52.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,612 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Ann Arbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,776 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, physical therapists in Ann Arbor, Michigan, earn a median hourly rate of $52.71, which surpasses the national median of $50.62. This competitive pay reflects the significant demand for physical therapy services within various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. For part-time and per-diem workers, this rate translates into meaningful earnings, with entry-level physical therapists earning approximately $40.37 per hour and more experienced professionals reaching up to $60.15 per hour. The broad hourly range highlights the opportunities for physical therapists to find positions that align with their financial needs, emphasizing the stability and growth potential in the profession based on the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.37 | $322.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.44 | $347.54 |
| Median (P50) | $52.71 | $421.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.09 | $424.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.15 | $481.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ann Arbor
Based on $52.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.71/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ann Arbor, MI can expect to earn approximately $109,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,247. With a cost-of-living index of 100.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ann Arbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ann Arbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,108.22 | $9,136 | $109,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,264.93 | $5,481 | $65,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $843.29 | $3,654 | $43,851 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Ann Arbor) | $52.71 |
| 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 Ann Arbor, MI earn a median of $109,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.11% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 5.30% above the Michigan state average of $104,095.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.71/hr = $65,776/year (purchasing power: $65,203).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,627/year (purchasing power: $108,671).
CoL index: 100.88 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Ann Arbor grew 21.7% from $42.26/hr (2019) to $51.44/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.00/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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time physical therapists in Ann Arbor reveals that those working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—would take home a significant income compared to full-time engagements. For example, contracts for per-diem physical therapists can range from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts often pay between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, often including additional stipends. The work settings significantly influence earning potential, with hospitals and skilled nursing facilities generally offering better compensation than outpatient orthopedic clinics. Benefits also create a trade-off; while some physical therapists may accept lower hourly wages for health insurance and other perks, others might choose higher hourly rates without benefits in settings like cash-pay sports medicine clinics. For those negotiating hourly pay in the Ann Arbor area, being informed about employer compensation trends and the flexibility of per diem roles can prove advantageous in securing competitive rates in a market where the demand for quality physical therapy is consistently evolving.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Ann Arbor in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Ann Arbor?
Are physical therapists in Ann Arbor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Ann Arbor?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Ann Arbor?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Ann Arbor. 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, 7-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