Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $50.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Independence, MO runs $50.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,283 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $50.13 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a substantial earning opportunity, particularly for part-time workers who typically practice in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. For someone working a schedule of three days a week, earning this hourly rate can help them secure a solid income while enjoying a flexible work-life balance. Entry-level physical therapists can expect to start around $38.43 per hour, while top earners, especially those with specialized skills and experience, may reach as much as $69.68 per hour in various settings. These rates are extrapolated from projected annual salaries, highlighting the promising financial landscape for physical therapists in Independence.
About the Independence 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) | $38.43 | $307.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.41 | $339.27 |
| Median (P50) | $50.13 | $401.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.33 | $466.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.68 | $557.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $50.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.13/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $104,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,160. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,005.35 | $8,690 | $104,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,203.21 | $5,214 | $62,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $802.14 | $3,476 | $41,711 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Independence) | $50.13 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $104,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.95% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $102,138.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.13/hr = $62,567/year (purchasing power: $69,829).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,278/year (purchasing power: $116,382).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Independence grew 14.9% from $42.59/hr (2019) to $48.93/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.37/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 Independence 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 Independence
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours per week can take home around $62,726 annually, contrasting with full-time counterparts who can expect to earn significantly more over a standard 40-hour week. The earning potential for per-diem physical therapists is attractive as well, often billed between $50 to $75 per hour. Those pursuing travel PT positions can command contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, which includes additional stipends. Pay variations also exist among employers in Independence, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering different rates compared to hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities. While some therapists may trade a slightly lower hourly rate for health benefits, others prioritize higher hourly compensation at the expense of comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating salary effectively in this local market can significantly enhance earning potential, which is particularly beneficial for those considering various practice environments in the region.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Independence?
Are physical therapists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Independence?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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