Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Elmira, NY: $42.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Elmira, NY runs $42.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,812 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Elmira's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,283 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Physical therapists in Elmira, NY, can expect a median hourly pay of $42.70, which is notably lower compared to the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate offers various opportunities for part-time and per-diem work, especially in common settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For instance, a part-time therapist working three days a week might find this rate provides a decent income when combined with flexible work schedules. Hourly earnings in Elmira range from $37.17 for entry-level positions up to $63.23 for more experienced therapists, allowing local professionals to navigate varying job opportunities effectively. These figures are official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which helps set realistic expectations for those entering or advancing in the field.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.17 | $297.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.70 | $341.56 |
| Median (P50) | $42.70 | $341.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.94 | $399.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.23 | $505.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmira
Based on $42.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.70/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmira, NY can expect to earn approximately $88,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,234. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmira.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmira
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,707.80 | $7,400 | $88,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,024.68 | $4,440 | $53,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $683.12 | $2,960 | $35,522 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Elmira) | $42.70 |
| 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 Elmira, NY earn a median of $88,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.65% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.80% below the New York state average of $96,326.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.70/hr = $53,283/year (purchasing power: $56,446).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,806/year (purchasing power: $94,076).
CoL index: 94.398 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Elmira (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Elmira grew 7.0% from $38.96/hr (2019) to $41.67/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.75/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 Elmira 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 Elmira
When it comes to long-term earning potential, part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week at an hourly rate of $42.70 might take home about $53,250 annually. This is significantly smaller than what full-time professionals might expect, highlighting the financial benefits of full-time positions. Additionally, per diem physical therapists in Elmira can command considerably higher rates, frequently billing between $50-$75 an hour, depending on their employer and the demands of their specific roles. Many travel PT contracts, for instance, can net between $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, inclusive of stipends. Moreover, hourly rates vary by employer type; outpatient orthopedic practices often offer less than hospital systems but may include productivity bonuses, while specialized cash-pay clinics in urban settings might charge $150-$250 per session. This creates a scenario where therapists may opt for lower-paying positions that provide stable health benefits over higher-paying roles without such provisions. Local professionals looking to negotiate pay can benefit from emphasizing their specialized skills or engaging in contract work for broader financial flexibility.
More salary data for Elmira, 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 Elmira. 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