Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $52.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Bethlehem, PA runs $52.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,522 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $52.65 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate allows for attractive compensation for both full-time and part-time physical therapists working in various settings, including outpatient clinics, home health environments, schools, and rehab facilities. A part-time physical therapist working three days a week could still earn a respectable income, potentially allowing for flexible work-life balance. Additionally, the hourly pay ranges from $39.45 for entry-level positions to $67.95 for experienced therapists in this field, highlighting the income potential as professionals gain expertise and specialization.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.45 | $315.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.85 | $350.82 |
| Median (P50) | $52.65 | $421.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.54 | $492.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.95 | $543.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $52.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.65/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $109,521 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,185. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,106.17 | $9,127 | $109,521 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,263.70 | $5,476 | $65,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $842.47 | $3,651 | $43,808 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Bethlehem) | $52.65 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $109,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.02% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 5.70% above the Pennsylvania state average of $103,615.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.65/hr = $65,712/year (purchasing power: $67,467).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,521/year (purchasing power: $112,444).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Bethlehem grew 14.9% from $44.73/hr (2019) to $51.39/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.95/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
For part-time physical therapists in Bethlehem, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $49,753, less than a full-time therapist but still a viable option for many. Per diem physical therapists can expect to earn between $50 to $75 per hour, depending on their contracts, while travel PTs might command weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, inclusive of stipends. The earning potential can vary significantly based on the work environment; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital systems that provide robust benefits packages. Therapists often face a trade-off between lower hourly wages with comprehensive insurance coverage versus higher pay without benefits. Negotiation strategies in Bethlehem should focus on market research to understand the pay scales in different settings, as well as clearly articulating the unique value they bring, which can enhance their compensation package.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Bethlehem in 2026?
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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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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