Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $46.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Athens, OH runs $46.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,725 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,641 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Ohio, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $46.99 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This difference can influence part-time workers significantly, especially those who work three days a week; they may find this hourly rate less competitive in the broader landscape of therapy settings. Per-diem physical therapists in Athens may experience a similar trend. They can expect compensation within a range that typically spans from $37.21 to $58.12 per hour, illustrating the earnings potential based on experience and location. These hourly amounts are derived from annual salary data and can vary across different employment settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and skilled nursing facilities, allowing flexibility for those seeking to work part-time or pick up per-diem shifts.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.21 | $297.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.04 | $320.33 |
| Median (P50) | $46.99 | $375.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.93 | $431.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.12 | $464.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $46.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.99/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $97,735 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,386. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,879.53 | $8,145 | $97,735 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,127.72 | $4,887 | $58,641 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.81 | $3,258 | $39,094 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Athens) | $46.99 |
| 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 Athens, OH earn a median of $97,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.18% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $105,307.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.99/hr = $58,641/year (purchasing power: $64,654).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,735/year (purchasing power: $107,757).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Athens grew 14.9% from $39.92/hr (2019) to $45.86/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.14/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 Athens 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 Athens
When examining the realities of part-time and per-diem physical therapist pay in Athens, it's crucial to consider the actual annual earnings compared to full-time employment. A part-time therapist working 24 hours per week could bring home approximately $58,776 annually, while a full-time professional may earn an annual salary around $97,725. The per-diem market also presents lucrative opportunities, with billing rates for per-diem therapists generally ranging from $50 to $75 per hour or even higher for specialized cash-pay positions in affluent areas. Compensation varies widely depending on the employer, with outpatient clinics often offering lower rates compared to hospital systems and specialty clinics. Although some physical therapists may initially accept lower hourly wages for the benefits associated with full-time positions, higher hourly pay may be pursued by those who value flexibility. For therapists in Athens, negotiating hourly rates may involve considering local market trends and being aware of the benefits that can come with different employer types.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Athens?
Are physical therapists in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Athens?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
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Career Resources
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 Athens. 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 Athens 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