Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $51.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lorain, OH runs $51.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,871 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Lorain, Ohio, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $51.18, slightly outpacing the national average of $50.62. This competitive rate positions physical therapists well for both part-time and per-diem roles, making it an attractive occupation for professionals who desire flexibility in their schedules. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, it's possible to balance work and personal life while still achieving solid earnings. The hourly pay range in Lorain varies widely, with entry-level therapists earning around $36.73 per hour, while the top 10% can make as much as $65.57 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the demand for physical therapy services across various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health environments.
About the Lorain 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) | $36.73 | $293.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.38 | $355.00 |
| Median (P50) | $51.18 | $409.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.65 | $477.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.57 | $524.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain
Based on $51.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.18/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $106,452 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,415. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lorain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,047.15 | $8,871 | $106,452 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,228.29 | $5,323 | $63,871 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.86 | $3,548 | $42,581 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lorain) | $51.18 |
| 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 Lorain, OH earn a median of $106,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $105,302.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.18/hr = $63,871/year (purchasing power: $70,420).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,452/year (purchasing power: $117,367).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lorain grew 14.9% from $43.48/hr (2019) to $49.95/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.44/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 Lorain 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 Lorain
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week in Lorain could potentially earn an annual income that competes favorably with their full-time counterparts, albeit with fewer benefits. Most per diem physical therapists can expect to make between $50 and $75 per hour, realizing a gross income that can surpass typical facility-based roles, especially if they engage in travel contracts that range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. There's a distinct pay variation depending on where a therapist is employed; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different compensation packages compared to skilled nursing facilities or pediatric clinics. Some therapists may choose to accept lower hourly rates to secure health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Those negotiating their hourly rate in Lorain should emphasize their experience and specialization while considering the value of non-monetary benefits, reflecting the ongoing shifts in the physical therapy industry toward cash-pay models and direct access care.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lorain in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lorain?
Are physical therapists in Lorain paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Lorain. 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 Lorain 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