Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $49.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Rochester, MN runs $49.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,603 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,557 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, physical therapists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $49.32 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $50.62. This pay rate provides a favorable opportunity for part-time professionals, especially those working three days a week, as well as per-diem therapists operating in various clinical settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and even during home health visits. With an hourly pay range extending from $39.45 for entry-level positions to $62.96 for experienced therapists, the pay structure reflects not only the skill level required but also the demand for physical therapy services in the region. This data is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and illustrates the financial environment for physical therapists in Rochester, MN.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.45 | $315.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.83 | $374.68 |
| Median (P50) | $49.32 | $394.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.70 | $405.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.96 | $503.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $49.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.32/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $102,594 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,189. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,972.97 | $8,550 | $102,594 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,183.78 | $5,130 | $61,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.19 | $3,420 | $41,038 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Rochester) | $49.32 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $102,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.55% lower than the national median of $105,288.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.32/hr = $61,557/year (purchasing power: $67,778).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,594/year (purchasing power: $112,963).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Rochester grew 15.9% from $41.54/hr (2019) to $48.14/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.54/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Focusing on part-time employment, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can expect to take home approximately $61,580 annually, which is significantly less than what a full-time therapist would make. Per diem physical therapists often have a varying hourly rate in Rochester, billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel PT assignments generally pay more, with contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, inclusive of stipends for housing or meals. The hourly rates can also differ by employer type; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide lower hourly rates compared to hospital systems, which might offer benefits such as health insurance that could be appealing to some professionals. In today's competitive market, many therapists face decisions about compensation versus benefits, and those negotiating hourly rates should be prepared to discuss their unique skills and specialties, as well as local market conditions that favor certain practices over others.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Rochester?
Are physical therapists in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Rochester?
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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 Rochester. 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