Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Royal Oak, MI: $49.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Royal Oak, MI runs $49.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,864 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Royal Oak's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,723 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Royal Oak, Michigan, the median hourly rate for a physical therapist is projected to be $49.46 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $50.62 per hour, reflecting regional variations in pay structures. For physical therapists working part-time, such as those in outpatient clinics or home health settings and on schedules of three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a manageable yet sustainable income. The estimated hourly range reveals that entry-level positions start around $39.05, while the top earners can make as much as $66.00 per hour. These projections highlight the earning potential for individuals engaged in diverse therapeutic environments like skilled nursing facilities and sports performance centers, underscoring that hourly pay rates are derived from annual salary estimates adjusted for the local economic context.
About the Royal Oak Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.05 | $312.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.58 | $340.66 |
| Median (P50) | $49.46 | $395.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.22 | $473.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.00 | $528.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Royal Oak
Based on $49.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.46/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Royal Oak, MI can expect to earn approximately $102,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,349. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Royal Oak.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Royal Oak
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,978.30 | $8,573 | $102,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,186.98 | $5,144 | $61,723 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $791.32 | $3,429 | $41,149 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Royal Oak) | $49.46 |
| 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 Royal Oak, MI earn a median of $102,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.20% below the Michigan state average of $104,113.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.46/hr = $61,723/year (purchasing power: $66,226).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,871/year (purchasing power: $110,377).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Royal Oak (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Royal Oak grew 14.9% from $42.01/hr (2019) to $48.27/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.67/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 Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak
Considering a part-time physical therapist working 24 hours a week, the annual income significantly differs from that of a full-time practitioner. A part-time position would typically bring in approximately $61,500 yearly, compared to more than $102,000 for full-timers, affecting benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Per diem physical therapist pay in Royal Oak fluctuates between $50 and $75 per hour, contingent upon skills and experience, with travel PT contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly when including stipends. Positions in outpatient clinics, such as those affiliated with larger chains, might offer lower hourly compensation compared to hospital settings where additional benefits are often included. Physical therapists negotiating hourly rates should weigh the trade-offs between salaries that come with benefits and those that provide higher hourly pay without additional perks. This decision often reflects individual priorities, making it essential for workers in the field to assess their financial needs and career aspirations carefully.
More salary data for Royal Oak, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Royal Oak in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Royal Oak?
Are physical therapists in Royal Oak paid hourly or salary?
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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 Royal Oak. 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 Royal Oak 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