Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $53.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Salem, NH runs $53.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,246 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,147 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, the projected median hourly rate for physical therapists is $53.00, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $50.62. This competitive pay allows part-time therapists working three days a week to earn a respectable income across various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. With an hourly range from $39.51 for entry-level positions to $66.21 for top earners, professionals in this field can find lucrative opportunities that also accommodate flexible schedules. This hourly data, derived from annual salary estimates, reflects the value placed on physical therapy services in a market that is seeing steady growth.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.51 | $316.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.65 | $349.18 |
| Median (P50) | $53.00 | $424.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.05 | $488.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.21 | $529.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $53.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.00/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $110,245 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,603. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,120.10 | $9,187 | $110,245 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,272.06 | $5,512 | $66,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $848.04 | $3,675 | $44,098 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Salem) | $53.00 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $110,246 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $112,957.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.00/hr = $66,147/year (purchasing power: $61,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,245/year (purchasing power: $102,745).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Salem grew 14.9% from $45.02/hr (2019) to $51.73/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.31/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 Salem 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 Salem
Examining part-time earning potential reveals that a physical therapist working 24 hours a week can take home around $66,720 annually, compared to those in full-time roles who experience a higher total income. Per diem physical therapists in Salem command rates typically between $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts netting $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including stipends intriguing for those seeking flexibility and variety. Hourly rates may differ depending on the employer; for instance, outpatient clinics generally offer lower pay compared to hospitals and specialized facilities that provide additional benefits. Some therapists choose to accept lower hourly rates for positions with comprehensive health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiation can play a critical role in securing better hourly compensation, and prospective workers should be prepared to discuss their value, productivity models, and any specialized training such as OCS or SCS certifications.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Salem?
Are physical therapists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Salem?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
Related Pages
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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