Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Tahlequah, OK: $43.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Tahlequah, OK runs $43.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Tahlequah's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,910 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tahlequah, Oklahoma, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $43.20, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62 per hour. This difference in compensation reflects the region's cost of living, which stands below the national average. For part-time physical therapists working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a steady income, allowing flexibility in their professional schedules. Per-diem opportunities are abundant in various settings, including outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health environments, where hourly rates vary widely. While entry-level positions may start at approximately $34.39 per hour, experienced therapists, particularly those working in specialized areas or with advanced certifications, can earn upwards of $52.15 per hour, creating a diverse earning potential within the community.
About the Tahlequah 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) | $34.39 | $275.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.95 | $295.58 |
| Median (P50) | $43.20 | $345.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.71 | $397.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.15 | $417.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tahlequah
Based on $43.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.20/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tahlequah, OK can expect to earn approximately $89,850 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,837. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tahlequah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tahlequah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,727.89 | $7,488 | $89,850 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.73 | $4,493 | $53,910 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $691.15 | $2,995 | $35,940 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Tahlequah) | $43.20 |
| 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 Tahlequah, OK earn a median of $89,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.00% below the Oklahoma state average of $93,598.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.20/hr = $53,910/year (purchasing power: $60,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,850/year (purchasing power: $101,069).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Tahlequah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Tahlequah grew 14.9% from $36.70/hr (2019) to $42.16/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.26/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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah
In Tahlequah, part-time physical therapists who work 24 hours a week can expect their annual earnings to be significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. While a full-time physical therapist can earn a robust salary, part-time workers may need to supplement their income with per diem positions to optimize earnings. Per-diem physical therapist pay in Tahlequah often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, depending on the specific practice setting. Furthermore, travel physical therapists typically secure lucrative contracts that can offer weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, especially when stipends are added. Different employer types influence hourly rates significantly; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico may pay less than hospital systems, yet they often come with productivity bonuses based on patient volume. In negotiations, physical therapists should weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security of offered health insurance, making strategic decisions that align with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Tahlequah, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Tahlequah in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Tahlequah?
Are physical therapists in Tahlequah paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Tahlequah?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Tahlequah?
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 Tahlequah. 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 Tahlequah 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