Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Jefferson City, MO: $48.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Jefferson City, MO runs $48.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,483 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Jefferson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,291 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jefferson City, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists in 2026 stands at $48.31. This figure is slightly below the national median of $50.62, highlighting the localized nuances of the profession. For part-time physical therapists working three days a week in various settings—like outpatient clinic gyms, hospital rehab units, and home health services—this rate translates into a stable income, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $35.72 per hour, while the top earners in the area may achieve rates as high as $60.25, reflecting the variation in experience and expertise across different employment scenarios such as sports performance centers and school therapy rooms. These insights are drawn from the official BLS hourly data, allowing prospective physical therapists to set reasonable salary expectations.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.72 | $285.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.61 | $308.86 |
| Median (P50) | $48.31 | $386.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.01 | $400.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.25 | $481.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jefferson City
Based on $48.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.31/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jefferson City, MO can expect to earn approximately $100,485 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,972. With a cost-of-living index of 87.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jefferson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jefferson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,932.40 | $8,374 | $100,485 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,159.44 | $5,024 | $60,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.96 | $3,349 | $40,194 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Jefferson City) | $48.31 |
| 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 Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $100,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.56% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.70% below the Missouri state average of $102,220.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.31/hr = $60,291/year (purchasing power: $68,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,485/year (purchasing power: $114,219).
CoL index: 87.975 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Jefferson City grew 39.0% from $33.93/hr (2019) to $47.15/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.50/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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City
A physical therapist working part-time in Jefferson City, averaging about 24 hours a week, could realistically take home an annual income that is considerably less than what full-time therapists earn. This is particularly relevant when considering the unique earning structures inherent in the profession. For per diem physical therapists, the pay can range from $50 to $75 per hour, depending on demand and job site specifics. Travel PT contracts often boast even higher earnings that vary from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, inclusive of additional stipends. While outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer stable jobs with lower hourly rates, the appeal of higher pay in the travel market attracts many professionals, despite the lack of traditional benefits such as health insurance. This makes negotiation skills vital, as some therapists may choose lesser-paying positions in exchange for job security and benefits. Understanding the variance in pay scales within facilities like skilled nursing homes, pediatric clinics, and home health agencies is essential for new graduates navigating their options in Jefferson City.
More salary data for Jefferson City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Jefferson City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Jefferson City?
Are physical therapists in Jefferson City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Jefferson City?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Jefferson City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Jefferson City. 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