Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $48.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Chester, PA runs $48.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,137 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Chester, Pennsylvania, earn a projected median hourly rate of $48.15 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly pay is significant for both part-time and per-diem workers who may operate within a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and home health environments. For those working part-time, especially those clocking in three days a week, the hourly compensation can provide a solid income while maintaining a better work-life balance. On the other hand, part-time and entry-level physical therapists may find themselves in the lower range of the pay spectrum—starting at $39.12—while experienced professionals could command rates as high as $59.34, reflecting a robust pay scale across the profession.
About the Chester 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) | $39.12 | $312.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.00 | $335.99 |
| Median (P50) | $48.15 | $385.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.85 | $438.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.34 | $474.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $48.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.15/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $100,144 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,775. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,925.84 | $8,345 | $100,144 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.50 | $5,007 | $60,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.34 | $3,338 | $40,057 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Chester) | $48.15 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $100,137 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.89% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,662.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.15/hr = $60,086/year (purchasing power: $61,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,144/year (purchasing power: $102,817).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Chester grew 14.9% from $40.90/hr (2019) to $46.99/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.33/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 Chester 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 Chester
The earning potential for physical therapists in Chester can vary widely, especially for those opting to work part-time or on a per-diem basis. A physical therapist working three days a week for 24 hours can still generate a competitive income, bringing home approximately $60,000 annually, compared to the full-time average, which tends to be more substantial. Per diem physical therapists often enjoy additional flexibility; their pay typically ranges between $50 and $75 an hour, while contract travel PTs can see earnings from $1,800 to $2,800 a week, especially if they secure stipends for housing or travel. Depending on their employer—be it a private outpatient clinic like ATI or a hospital system—physical therapists may face trade-offs between lower hourly wages with benefits versus higher rates without them. For those negotiating hourly pay in Chester, understanding the market dynamics of outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services can be vital. Emphasizing skills and certifications, such as those from the APTA or board specialization, can also enhance bargaining power in the hiring process.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Chester?
Are physical therapists in Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Chester?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chester?
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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 Chester. 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 Chester 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