Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $50.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Detroit, MI runs $50.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,503 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,308 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Detroit are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $50.73, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive pay structure offers a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem work. For instance, a physical therapist working three days a week in settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or home health could potentially earn a substantial income, even while maintaining a flexible work schedule. The hourly pay range for this profession in Detroit spans from $39.74 for entry-level positions to about $64.60 for highly experienced therapists, reflecting the various work environments and levels of expertise found within the field.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.74 | $317.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.44 | $347.54 |
| Median (P50) | $50.73 | $405.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.23 | $441.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.60 | $516.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $50.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.73/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $105,514 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,874. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,029.12 | $8,793 | $105,514 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,217.47 | $5,276 | $63,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.65 | $3,517 | $42,206 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Detroit) | $50.73 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $105,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.20% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.30% above the Michigan state average of $104,149.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.73/hr = $63,308/year (purchasing power: $63,120).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,514/year (purchasing power: $105,201).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Detroit grew 12.7% from $43.95/hr (2019) to $49.51/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.98/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
For those interested in part-time or per-diem roles, the earning potential can differ significantly based on scheduling and employment type. A physical therapist working 24 hours a week may realize an annual take-home that aligns closely with full-time salaries when factoring in hourly earnings. Many physical therapists choose per-diem agreements, typically billing between $50-$75 per hour, with travel contracts offering even higher compensation, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. It's notable that outpatient orthopedic clinics and travel PT agencies often yield different hourly rates compared to hospital settings, which may provide benefits packages that lower hourly pay but offer greater long-term security. When negotiating compensation, physical therapists in Detroit should consider the trade-offs between a higher hourly rate without benefits and a slightly lower rate that includes health insurance and other perks. Understanding these nuances allows practitioners to make informed decisions about their work circumstances and compensation negotiations in the diverse physical therapist job market in MI.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Detroit in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Detroit?
Are physical therapists in Detroit paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Detroit?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Detroit?
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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 Detroit. 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