Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Muskegon, MI: $48.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Muskegon, MI runs $48.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Muskegon's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,073 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Muskegon, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $48.14, slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate is significant for various work arrangements, especially for part-time clinicians working three days a week or those engaging in per-diem opportunities. Typically employed in settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, and home health services, these professionals can expect to find hourly earnings ranging from $39.06 for entry-level positions to $58.99 for experienced therapists. Official BLS data, based on 2025, projected to 2026, reflects the anticipated earnings trajectory for physical therapists in this Michigan city, giving aspiring and current therapists a clear picture of expected compensation in their field.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.06 | $312.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.80 | $318.36 |
| Median (P50) | $48.14 | $385.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.87 | $398.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.99 | $471.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muskegon
Based on $48.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.14/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muskegon, MI can expect to earn approximately $100,122 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,763. With a cost-of-living index of 92.52 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muskegon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muskegon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,925.43 | $8,344 | $100,122 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.26 | $5,006 | $60,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.17 | $3,337 | $40,049 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Muskegon) | $48.14 |
| 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 Muskegon, MI earn a median of $100,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.91% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.90% below the Michigan state average of $104,177.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.14/hr = $60,073/year (purchasing power: $64,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,122/year (purchasing power: $108,218).
CoL index: 92.519 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Muskegon grew 19.8% from $39.22/hr (2019) to $46.98/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.32/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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week in Muskegon can expect to earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, with annual take-home estimates dropping in comparison to full-time earnings. Conversely, per-diem physical therapists commonly bill between $50 and $75 per hour, presenting a lucrative route for those willing to embrace flexibility in their schedules. Travel physical therapy contracts can yield impressive weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, with opportunities that may include stipends for housing and meals. Hourly rates can differ across employer types, where outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital rehab settings, and skilled nursing facilities each offer varied compensation structures. While some therapists might choose lower hourly pay for guaranteed health insurance benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without added benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Muskegon, being aware of employer expectations, demonstrating skill specialization such as OCS or SCS certification, and understanding the local market dynamics can be pivotal.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Muskegon. 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, 6-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