Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Belton, MO: $46.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Belton, MO runs $46.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Belton's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,964 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Belton, Missouri, the projected physical therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $46.45, which falls below the national hourly median of $50.62. For those working part-time or in per-diem roles, this rate offers flexibility that can be advantageous in various therapy settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation hospitals. The hourly wage for entry-level therapists stands at around $35.76 (P10), while experienced professionals can earn as much as $56.21 (P90). This range allows for different employment arrangements, whether it's choosing a schedule that accommodates personal commitments or taking on per-diem shifts that suit specific needs. Given the therapy landscape, many may find that this hourly pay enables a balance between work and life while still progressing in their careers.
About the Belton Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.76 | $286.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.83 | $310.66 |
| Median (P50) | $46.45 | $371.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.68 | $421.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.21 | $449.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Belton
Based on $46.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.45/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Belton, MO can expect to earn approximately $96,606 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,734. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Belton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Belton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,857.80 | $8,050 | $96,606 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,114.68 | $4,830 | $57,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $743.12 | $3,220 | $38,642 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Belton) | $46.45 |
| 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 Belton, MO earn a median of $96,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.24% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.50% below the Missouri state average of $102,232.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.45/hr = $57,964/year (purchasing power: $64,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,606/year (purchasing power: $107,819).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Belton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Belton grew 14.9% from $39.45/hr (2019) to $45.33/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.59/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 Belton 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 Belton
A part-time physical therapist working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can expect to take home around $54,489 annually, which is significantly lower than the full-time potential. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapist pay in Belton can vary widely; many therapists who opt for agency work can command hourly rates between $50 and $75. Some even sign contracts with travel agencies that might offer weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, often including stipends for housing or travel. Hourly rates also differ based on the type of employer—outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies all present their unique compensation landscapes. However, many therapists face a decision: accepting lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits or pursuing higher pay without health insurance. For those negotiating in Belton, understanding local market trends and leveraging skills related to specialized areas, such as sports rehabilitation, can influence better pay outcomes.
More salary data for Belton, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Belton in 2026?
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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 Belton. 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 Belton 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