Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Norristown, PA: $48.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Norristown, PA runs $48.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,371 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Norristown's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Norristown, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist stands at $48.26, slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This hourly rate makes it feasible for those working part-time, such as in outpatient clinics or home health settings, to maintain a balanced income while only committing to three days a week. Workers in these environments can expect to earn from $35.37 on the lower end to $59.58 at the top of the scale, reflecting various factors like experience, specialization, and type of employment. Particularly in Norristown, physical therapists find themselves in a range of settings—such as hospital inpatient rehab units and skilled nursing facilities—each influencing pay levels based on demand and the complexity of services offered.
About the Norristown 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) | $35.37 | $282.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.23 | $337.87 |
| Median (P50) | $48.26 | $386.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.14 | $441.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.58 | $476.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norristown
Based on $48.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.26/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norristown, PA can expect to earn approximately $100,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,910. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norristown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norristown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,930.35 | $8,365 | $100,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,158.21 | $5,019 | $60,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.14 | $3,346 | $40,151 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Norristown) | $48.26 |
| 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 Norristown, PA earn a median of $100,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,582.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.26/hr = $60,227/year (purchasing power: $61,835).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,378/year (purchasing power: $103,058).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Norristown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Norristown grew 14.9% from $40.99/hr (2019) to $47.10/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.45/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 Norristown 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 Norristown
Part-time physical therapists typically commit to about 24 hours a week, potentially earning approximately $60,000 annually compared to their full-time counterparts at higher wage scales. For those considering per diem or agency opportunities, the pay rates in Norristown can be significantly more lucrative. Many per diem physical therapists earn between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contracts may provide weekly payments ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, including benefits. The variance in hourly rates arises from employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer less than hospital rehabilitative services. Therapists might opt for lower hourly rates to gain benefits such as health insurance, which can affect overall long-term earnings. Negotiating effectively is crucial in this field, as knowing your worth and understanding the shifts in regional demand can lead to better pay agreements in Norristown’s evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Norristown, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Norristown in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Norristown?
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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 Norristown. 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 Norristown 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