Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $41.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Missoula, MT runs $41.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,036 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,621 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists is $41.36, a figure that falls notably below the national median of $50.62. This discrepancy reflects the local market conditions and can impact the lifestyle of part-time and per-diem workers. For instance, a part-time physical therapist working three days a week could expect to earn around $1,000 weekly, allowing for a fair income while enjoying flexible hours. Physical therapists in Missoula rank in an hourly range from $38.51 for entry-level positions to $52.33 for top earners, highlighting room for growth and specialization. This information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, offering a snapshot of the local employment landscape impacting physical therapist hourly pay in Missoula.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.51 | $308.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.86 | $318.86 |
| Median (P50) | $41.36 | $330.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.85 | $390.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.33 | $418.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $41.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.36/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $86,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,636. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,654.52 | $7,170 | $86,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.71 | $4,302 | $51,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.81 | $2,868 | $34,414 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Missoula) | $41.36 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $86,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.29% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.50% below the Montana state average of $86,468.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.36/hr = $51,621/year (purchasing power: $53,524).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,035/year (purchasing power: $89,207).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Missoula grew 7.2% from $37.65/hr (2019) to $40.37/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.38/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time physical therapists, it's essential to note that a consistent schedule of 24 hours a week would yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per diem physical therapists in Missoula often command higher fees, with rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. TravelPT contracts also present lucrative opportunities, with weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, potentially making them an attractive choice for seasoned professionals. The hourly rates can vary extensively based on employer type; while outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower pay, hospital inpatient rehabilitation or specialized sports medicine clinics might provide better compensation. Many therapists navigate the balance between hourly rates and benefits, as full-time positions often come with health insurance and retirement contributions, making some willing to accept lower wages for these advantages. When negotiating salary, especially in Missoula's job market, demonstrating additional certifications like OCS or SCS can be pivotal in securing a more competitive salary.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Missoula. 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