Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Ponca City, OK: $41.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Ponca City, OK runs $41.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,961 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Ponca City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,171 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ponca City, Oklahoma, the estimated physical therapist hourly pay stands at $41.80, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $50.62. This disparity can pose challenges for part-time professionals working three days a week, where the hourly rate translates into significant yearly earnings, particularly in environments such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, and home health care. New practitioners entering the field might earn on the lower end of the scale, around $34.50, while more experienced therapists could reach up to $51.81 per hour. Understanding these figures is essential for both recent graduates and established practitioners considering shifts in their career paths or negotiating contract terms.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.50 | $275.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.64 | $293.12 |
| Median (P50) | $41.80 | $334.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.05 | $384.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.81 | $414.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponca City
Based on $41.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.80/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponca City, OK can expect to earn approximately $86,952 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,164. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ponca City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponca City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,672.15 | $7,246 | $86,952 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,003.29 | $4,348 | $52,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $668.86 | $2,898 | $34,781 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Ponca City) | $41.80 |
| 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 Ponca City, OK earn a median of $86,961 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $93,607.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.80/hr = $52,171/year (purchasing power: $58,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,952/year (purchasing power: $97,808).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Ponca City grew 14.9% from $35.51/hr (2019) to $40.80/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.83/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 Ponca City 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 Ponca City
For those seeking part-time work as a physical therapist in Ponca City, working 24 hours a week means potential annual earnings of around $52,000, compared with the higher income of full-time positions. Per diem physical therapist pay in Ponca City is often quite favorable, with rates generally ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, presenting appealing opportunities, especially for those willing to travel for contract work. Different employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or hospital systems will have varied pay structures, impacting overall take-home pay. While some therapists might opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others may prefer the stability of a job offering health insurance, which is a significant consideration. Negotiation tactics can be critical in this competitive environment; understanding the local market dynamics and employer expectations will empower therapists in Ponca City to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Ponca City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Ponca City?
Are physical therapists in Ponca City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Ponca City?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Ponca City?
Related Pages
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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 Ponca City. 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 Ponca City 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