Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Hastings, NE: $45.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Hastings, NE runs $45.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,990 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Hastings's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,391 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $45.18, which falls below the national average hourly median of $50.62. This rate translates well for part-time professionals working three days a week, particularly in settings like outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, offering flexibility to balance work with personal commitments. Those seeking per-diem opportunities in Hastings can often find roles in diverse environments, such as home health visits or pediatric therapy rooms, where the need for these specialists is consistently strong. For professionals at entry-level positions, hourly pay typically starts around $33.71, while experienced physical therapists can earn as much as $56.54, reflecting the wide range of opportunities in the field despite the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.71 | $269.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.19 | $297.54 |
| Median (P50) | $45.18 | $361.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.00 | $415.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.54 | $452.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hastings
Based on $45.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.18/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hastings, NE can expect to earn approximately $93,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,222. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hastings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hastings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,807.39 | $7,832 | $93,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,084.44 | $4,699 | $56,391 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $722.96 | $3,133 | $37,594 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Hastings) | $45.18 |
| 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 Hastings, NE earn a median of $93,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $96,301.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.18/hr = $56,391/year (purchasing power: $61,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,985/year (purchasing power: $102,715).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Hastings grew 14.9% from $38.38/hr (2019) to $44.10/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.30/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 Hastings 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 Hastings
Part-time physical therapists who work 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $56,073 annually, a significant difference compared to full-timers, which reflects the natural compromise between desired hours and total earnings. The per diem physical therapist pay in Hastings can range from $50 to $75 per hour, while those in travel contracts may see earnings between $1,800 and $2,800 each week, including additional stipends. Various employer types contribute to fluctuations in hourly rates; outpatient clinics may provide lower pay compared to inpatient rehab settings, which often include comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. While some may favor a higher hourly rate in environments without benefits, others prioritize job stability and inclusivity, especially in a field experiencing increased productivity demands. Negotiating your contracts within Hastings requires an understanding of local market rates, emphasizing that both skilled negotiation and awareness of the employment landscape can lead to better opportunities in the evolving field of physical therapy.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
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 Hastings. 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 Hastings 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