Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Shaker Heights, OH: $48.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Shaker Heights, OH runs $48.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,557 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Shaker Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shaker Heights, Ohio, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $48.82, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This wage provides ample opportunity for part-time work, where therapists can effectively balance their professional commitments with personal interests, particularly when working three days a week in settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health visits. For those considering per-diem roles, Shaker Heights offers an hourly range from $39.46 for entry-level positions to $62.86 for experienced practitioners, allowing flexibility in work schedules. As these figures are projected based on 2025 BLS data for 2026, they reflect a growing demand and competitive landscape for therapy services.
About the Shaker Heights 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) | $39.46 | $315.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.47 | $339.76 |
| Median (P50) | $48.82 | $390.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.53 | $444.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.86 | $502.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shaker Heights
Based on $48.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.82/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shaker Heights, OH can expect to earn approximately $101,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,587. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shaker Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shaker Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,952.89 | $8,463 | $101,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,171.73 | $5,078 | $60,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.16 | $3,385 | $40,620 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Shaker Heights) | $48.82 |
| 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 Shaker Heights, OH earn a median of $101,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.54% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.60% below the Ohio state average of $105,350.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.82/hr = $60,930/year (purchasing power: $67,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,550/year (purchasing power: $111,963).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Shaker Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Shaker Heights grew 14.9% from $41.47/hr (2019) to $47.65/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.02/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 Shaker Heights 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 Shaker Heights
When it comes to earnings, physical therapists who choose part-time roles in Shaker Heights, working 24 hours a week, can expect their annual take-home from hourly work to differ significantly from full-time peers. Per diem therapists in the area benefit from a higher pay scale of $50-$75 per hour, with travel contracts typically offering between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, fostering lucrative opportunities for those open to such arrangements. In contrast, outpatient orthopedic clinics might not offer the same hourly compensation as hospital-based roles, but they may present stability and benefits that entice some practitioners. Particularly, physical therapists should negotiate based on what they seek—whether higher hourly rates or comprehensive benefits—as the reconciliation of these factors can impact long-term career satisfaction and financial security in this evolving field.
More salary data for Shaker Heights, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Shaker Heights. 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 Shaker Heights 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