Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $47.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Buffalo, NY runs $47.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,897 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, New York, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $47.19, which is slightly below the national average of $50.62 per hour. This hourly rate is significant for those working part-time or as per-diem therapists, who often find employment in various settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, and sports performance centers. For part-time therapists working three days a week, the earning potential ranges widely, from entry-level positions earning around $32.61 per hour to experienced professionals commanding up to $57.35 per hour. The figures presented are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a clear snapshot of hourly compensation trends for physical therapy practitioners in Buffalo.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.61 | $260.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.00 | $304.02 |
| Median (P50) | $47.19 | $377.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.69 | $413.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.35 | $458.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $47.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.19/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $98,162 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,632. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,887.72 | $8,180 | $98,162 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,132.63 | $4,908 | $58,897 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $755.09 | $3,272 | $39,265 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Buffalo) | $47.19 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $98,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.77% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.90% above the New York state average of $96,326.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.19/hr = $58,897/year (purchasing power: $61,451).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,162/year (purchasing power: $102,418).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Buffalo grew 26.5% from $36.42/hr (2019) to $46.06/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.35/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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
When considering part-time work, a physical therapist in Buffalo, working 24 hours a week at the median pay, would take home about $58,713 annually before taxes, which can provide a viable option for those seeking work-life balance. Per-diem physical therapists typically earn between $50 and $75 per hour, giving them flexible earning potential, but may face variability in job stability. Travel PT contracts can offer attractive weekly rates from $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends, while cash-pay opportunities for specialized orthopedic services can command as much as $150 to $250 per hour. Employers in Buffalo range from outpatient orthopedic clinics, including chains like ATI and Athletico, to hospital rehabilitation departments, all of which can affect pay scales. Many therapists may accept lower hourly rates for the promise of health benefits, making it essential for job seekers to weigh their priorities regarding remuneration and job security when evaluating opportunities in the region. Practical negotiation skills can help them secure more favorable terms in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
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 Buffalo. 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