Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $41.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Columbia, MO runs $41.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,370 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,225 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, Missouri, the median hourly pay for a physical therapist is $41.05, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate presents diverse opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and sports performance centers. Those accepting per-diem positions can enjoy flexibility and typically earn between $36.52 and $59.52 per hour depending on their experience and specialty areas. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that entry-level therapists entering the workforce may start near the lower end of this range, while seasoned professionals can command higher rates, making physical therapy a field where compensation can increase significantly with experience and specialization.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.52 | $292.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.35 | $314.84 |
| Median (P50) | $41.05 | $328.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.73 | $429.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.52 | $476.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $41.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.05/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $85,375 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,255. With a cost-of-living index of 89.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,641.82 | $7,115 | $85,375 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.09 | $4,269 | $51,225 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.73 | $2,846 | $34,150 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Columbia) | $41.05 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $85,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 16.50% below the Missouri state average of $102,239.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.05/hr = $51,225/year (purchasing power: $57,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,375/year (purchasing power: $95,457).
CoL index: 89.438 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbia grew 6.3% from $37.67/hr (2019) to $40.06/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.06/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For part-time therapists working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay will be considerably less compared to full-time peers, limiting their earning potential based on schedules. Per diem physical therapists in Columbia report pay ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, which can be advantageous compared to the standard hourly rate. Additionally, travel contracts can yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends, enhancing the appeal of temporary positions. Different employer types such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital systems provide variability in hourly wages, often influenced by productivity requirements and benefits packages. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits, such as health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay with less job security. It's essential for physical therapists in Columbia to assess their personal and professional priorities when negotiating pay, especially if they are working on an hourly basis.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Columbia?
Are physical therapists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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