Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $52.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Philadelphia, PA runs $52.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,035 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Philadelphia, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists stands at $52.11, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This difference highlights the competitive nature of healthcare wages in the region, making it an attractive option for both part-time and per-diem workers. Those who work part-time, averaging three days a week, can expect to earn substantial income while balancing other commitments. Opportunities abound in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. The hourly pay range for physical therapists in Philadelphia runs from $39.53 for entry-level positions to $64.90 for seasoned professionals, reflecting a diverse spectrum of expertise within this essential field.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.53 | $316.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.14 | $377.13 |
| Median (P50) | $52.11 | $416.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.39 | $475.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.90 | $519.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $52.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.11/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $108,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,533. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,084.45 | $9,033 | $108,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,250.67 | $5,420 | $65,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $833.78 | $3,613 | $43,356 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Philadelphia) | $52.11 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $108,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 4.60% above the Pennsylvania state average of $103,626.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.11/hr = $65,035/year (purchasing power: $63,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,391/year (purchasing power: $105,692).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Philadelphia grew 15.0% from $44.22/hr (2019) to $50.86/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.39/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
For therapists considering a part-time schedule, working 24 hours a week at the median rate can yield approximately $54,487 annually, offering flexible earning potential compared to full-time peers. Many per-diem physical therapists in Philadelphia operate on an hourly pay range of $50 to $75, while travel contracts can command rates between $1,800 and $2,800 per week. This variability is influenced by the type of facility, with outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Athletico typically offering lower hourly rates than hospital systems, often enclosing productivity bonuses in their compensation packages. The decision to accept a lower hourly rate may come down to weighing benefits like health insurance against higher pay that lacks such offerings. Negotiating hourly rates in Philadelphia can hinge on experience levels and the specific employer type; knowing the market value for services is essential for achieving fair compensation.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Philadelphia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Philadelphia?
Are physical therapists in Philadelphia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Philadelphia?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Philadelphia?
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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 Philadelphia. 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