Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Chesterfield, MO: $48.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Chesterfield, MO runs $48.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Chesterfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,764 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesterfield, Missouri, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $48.69 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This figure not only reflects potential earnings for full-time professionals but also offers insights for part-time and per-diem workers in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. For example, a physical therapist working three days a week could expect to take home around $34,000 annually, while those in per-diem positions may see pay rates ranging significantly from $37.60 to $60.57, delineating a clear divide between entry-level and experienced practitioners. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, they provide a useful perspective on what therapists can anticipate earning based on their experience and workload.
About the Chesterfield 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) | $37.60 | $300.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.01 | $328.12 |
| Median (P50) | $48.69 | $389.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.02 | $456.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.57 | $484.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesterfield
Based on $48.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.69/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesterfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $101,273 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,427. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chesterfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesterfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,947.56 | $8,439 | $101,273 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.54 | $5,064 | $60,764 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.02 | $3,376 | $40,509 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Chesterfield) | $48.69 |
| 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 Chesterfield, MO earn a median of $101,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.82% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $102,190.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.69/hr = $60,764/year (purchasing power: $67,817).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,273/year (purchasing power: $113,028).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Chesterfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Chesterfield grew 14.9% from $41.36/hr (2019) to $47.52/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.89/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 Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield
For those exploring the part-time opportunities or per diem roles, the earning potential can vary considerably across different employer types in Chesterfield. Part-timers working 24 hours per week are likely to prioritize flexible schedules, especially considering potential earnings in agency or travel PT contracts, which can bill as high as $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. The local market reflects varied hourly pay, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often offering lower rates, while pediatric clinics or cash-pay sports specialists might see higher earnings. Physical therapists may find themselves weighing the benefits of consistent employment with health benefits against the higher hourly wages available in per-diem or independent practice models. Additionally, those negotiating hourly pay should emphasize industry standards and consider discussing bonus structures to enhance their compensation, especially in a region where the market dynamics are influenced by the trends of consolidation and reimbursement pressures in healthcare.
More salary data for Chesterfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield. 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 Chesterfield 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