Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $50.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lancaster, OH runs $50.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,771 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, Ohio, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $50.30 in 2026, a figure that is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate is quite appealing for both part-time therapists working three days a week and for per-diem roles typically found in various clinical settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health visits. With an hourly range from $39.04 for entry-level positions up to $64.71 for highly experienced therapists, there are opportunities for physical therapists at various stages of their careers. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, tailored for easy interpretation for professionals considering flexible or per-diem work arrangements.
About the Lancaster 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) | $39.04 | $312.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.52 | $340.17 |
| Median (P50) | $50.30 | $402.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.97 | $471.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.71 | $517.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $50.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.30/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $104,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,357. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,011.90 | $8,718 | $104,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,207.14 | $5,231 | $62,771 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $804.76 | $3,487 | $41,848 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lancaster) | $50.30 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $104,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.63% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $105,357.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.30/hr = $62,771/year (purchasing power: $69,208).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,619/year (purchasing power: $115,346).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lancaster grew 14.9% from $42.73/hr (2019) to $49.09/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.53/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
When evaluating part-time earning potential for a physical therapist working 24 hours per week, their income can still be substantial compared to full-time salaries. For instance, a therapist in Lancaster might expect to take home around $61,824 annually, compared to their full-time peers earning estimated amounts closer to higher ranges in the market. Per-diem physical therapists typically command rates of $50-$75/hour, making this an attractive option for professionals who prefer flexibility or travel roles, where contracts could yield $1,800-$2,800 weekly. The diversity of employers in Lancaster, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports medicine clinics, influences hourly rates significantly, often leading therapists to weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages with comprehensive health insurance against more lucrative per-hour pay without benefits. For those seeking to negotiate, understanding local market trends and demonstrating how their skills align with specific practice needs will be key for successful compensation discussions.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lancaster?
Are physical therapists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Lancaster?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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