Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $51.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Columbus, OH runs $51.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,626 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Ohio, physical therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $51.78, surpassing the national median of $50.62. This competitive pay structure opens up enticing opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. For those seeking flexibility, being a part-time physical therapist working three days a week could yield significant earnings, with entry-level positions starting at around $38.95 per hour and top earners reaching $61.14. The data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) based on 2025 figures projected to 2026, offers a clear insight into the financial landscape for physical therapists in the area.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.95 | $311.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.94 | $327.54 |
| Median (P50) | $51.78 | $414.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.84 | $446.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.14 | $489.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $51.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.78/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $107,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,140. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,071.33 | $8,976 | $107,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,242.80 | $5,385 | $64,626 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $828.53 | $3,590 | $43,084 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Columbus) | $51.78 |
| 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 Columbus, OH earn a median of $107,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.30% above the Ohio state average of $105,294.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.78/hr = $64,626/year (purchasing power: $67,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,709/year (purchasing power: $112,821).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbus grew 20.0% from $42.12/hr (2019) to $50.54/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.06/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When evaluating the financial prospects of a physical therapist in Columbus, the part-time earning potential is noteworthy. For example, a physical therapist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) may earn over $60,000 annually, while full-time professionals potentially bring home higher figures, depending on their roles and employer types. Per-diem physical therapists commonly receive rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts can range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, sometimes including stipends for housing. Different employers may offer varying rates; outpatient clinics might prioritize productivity bonuses, while hospital systems may provide more stability with benefits. Some therapists may choose to accept lower hourly rates for health insurance coverage, a trade-off for financial security versus the potential for higher pay in cash-pay settings, such as sports and orthopedic specialists in higher-cost living markets. Understanding these dynamics in the physical therapist hourly pay in Columbus is essential for making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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