Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $49.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lincoln, NE runs $49.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,339 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the physical therapist hourly pay reaches a median of $49.15, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This pay rate is relevant for both part-time positions and per-diem roles common in various healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. For physical therapists working three days a week, their earnings can translate into significant weekly income, while per-diem workers benefit from the flexibility of billing rates that can range from $50 to $75 per hour. The hourly range for physical therapists in Lincoln goes from $38.55 for those in entry-level positions to a high of $55.11 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the demand and skills needed across diverse rehabilitation environments.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.55 | $308.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.18 | $313.45 |
| Median (P50) | $49.15 | $393.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.63 | $413.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.11 | $440.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $49.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.15/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $102,232 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,980. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,966.00 | $8,519 | $102,232 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,179.60 | $5,112 | $61,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $786.40 | $3,408 | $40,893 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lincoln) | $49.15 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $102,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.90% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.10% above the Nebraska state average of $96,357.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.15/hr = $61,339/year (purchasing power: $66,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,232/year (purchasing power: $111,630).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lincoln grew 20.0% from $39.97/hr (2019) to $47.97/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.36/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
For those considering part-time work or per-diem roles, it’s essential to understand the potential annual take-home pay for a physical therapist working 24 hours a week. While full-time therapists can expect a more stable income, the flexibility of per-diem positions offers various financial strategies. Physical therapists working under travel contracts can earn weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. Depending on their work environment, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or home health agencies, hourly compensation may differ significantly. Many practitioners face trade-offs regarding benefits: accepting a lower hourly rate with health insurance versus opting for higher hourly compensations without benefits. To maximize earnings, therapists should engage in thoughtful negotiations with prospective employers about hourly pay and benefits, keeping Lincoln’s unique employment conditions in mind.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lincoln in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lincoln?
Are physical therapists in Lincoln paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Lincoln?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lincoln?
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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 Lincoln. 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