Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $48.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Altoona, PA runs $48.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,073 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $48.14, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate is significant for professionals working in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the earnings can fluctuate within a range of $36.16 (entry-level) to $59.69 (top earners), impacting their overall financial stability and work-life balance. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists often settle into roles that allow for flexibility in scheduling, accommodating personal commitments while still providing quality care to patients. These hourly figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting projected trends for 2026.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.16 | $289.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.42 | $323.36 |
| Median (P50) | $48.14 | $385.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.20 | $433.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.69 | $477.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $48.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.14/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $100,122 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,763. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,925.43 | $8,344 | $100,122 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.26 | $5,006 | $60,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.17 | $3,337 | $40,049 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Altoona) | $48.14 |
| 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 Altoona, PA earn a median of $100,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.91% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,637.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.14/hr = $60,073/year (purchasing power: $67,116).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,122/year (purchasing power: $111,860).
CoL index: 89.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Altoona grew 19.8% from $39.21/hr (2019) to $46.98/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.32/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 Altoona 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 Altoona
For physical therapists in Altoona, the potential for income varies widely based on employment structure and setting. A part-time physical therapist, working 24 hours a week, may earn around $49,882 annually, significantly less than a full-time colleague, but still providing a decent income stream without the commitment of a full-time schedule. Per diem physical therapist pay in Altoona typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, offering a lucrative option for those who prefer flexibility or are pursuing specialized fields. Travel contracts also indicate higher earning potential, with weekly rates between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends for living expenses. Different employer types, such as outpatient clinics or hospital rehabilitation centers, further influence compensation; outpatient chains may pay lower hourly rates but offer bonuses based on productivity. As many physical therapists weigh the benefits of employee packages versus higher hourly wages without benefits, negotiating terms becomes essential, especially in a market where competition for skilled professionals is increasing in Pennsylvania. Understanding these nuances helps practitioners make informed decisions about their career paths in physical therapy.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Altoona. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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