Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, PA: $50.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lancaster, PA runs $50.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,462 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, physical therapists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $50.85 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $50.62. This competitive hourly rate offers a favorable landscape for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing those who work three days per week in settings such as outpatient clinics, rehab hospitals, and home health agencies to capitalize on flexible scheduling without sacrificing financial stability. For hourly employees, the pay range is quite broad, with rates starting around $38.23 for entry-level positions and going up to $65.11 for seasoned professionals. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and projected to 2026, highlights the potential for both new graduates and experienced therapists within the industry, reflecting a positive trend in physical therapist hourly pay in Lancaster.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.23 | $305.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.85 | $326.81 |
| Median (P50) | $50.85 | $406.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.79 | $478.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.11 | $520.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $50.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.85/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, PA can expect to earn approximately $105,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,021. With a cost-of-living index of 98.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,034.04 | $8,814 | $105,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,220.42 | $5,288 | $63,462 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $813.61 | $3,526 | $42,308 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lancaster) | $50.85 |
| 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 Lancaster, PA earn a median of $105,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $103,604.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.85/hr = $63,462/year (purchasing power: $64,588).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,770/year (purchasing power: $107,646).
CoL index: 98.257 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lancaster grew 9.6% from $45.28/hr (2019) to $49.63/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.10/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
When considering earnings in Lancaster, part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week can take home a considerable amount annually, though it varies based on the flexible hours they choose. Many per diem physical therapists operating in the area often function as independent contractors, earning anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, which can significantly boost annual income for those willing to take on travel opportunities. Different types of employers can impact pay as well; for instance, outpatient clinics might pay less than hospital systems, particularly when benefits are taken into account. Some therapists opt for higher hourly rates without benefits to maximize take-home pay, while others may choose lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance. For those working in Lancaster, effective negotiation strategies can make a significant difference in overall compensation, taking into consideration the specific environment and patient populations served, thus allowing them to tailor their career paths and financial outcomes effectively.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lancaster?
Are physical therapists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Lancaster?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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