Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Pittsburgh, PA: $48.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Pittsburgh, PA runs $48.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Pittsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,086 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For physical therapists in Pittsburgh, the projected median hourly pay for 2026 is $48.15, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This pay level can provide a solid income for part-time physical therapists, who may work three days a week in various settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health. Per-diem roles, common among seasoned professionals, also offer flexibility; these positions could see physical therapists earning anywhere from $37.83 to $58.24 per hour depending on experience and facility type. With a significant range from entry-level positions to experienced therapists, the hourly compensation reflects both the responsibilities undertaken and the demands of the healthcare environment in Pittsburgh.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.83 | $302.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.51 | $308.12 |
| Median (P50) | $48.15 | $385.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.24 | $409.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.24 | $465.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburgh
Based on $48.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.15/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburgh, 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 94.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburgh
| 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 (Pittsburgh) | $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 Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $100,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.88% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,680.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.15/hr = $60,086/year (purchasing power: $63,468).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,144/year (purchasing power: $105,781).
CoL index: 94.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pittsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.12/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 Pittsburgh grew 17.8% from $39.90/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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
For those considering part-time work, a physical therapist averaging 24 hours per week could see a substantial annual income, potentially taking home around $50,000. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapists often command higher rates, billing between $50 to $75 an hour, and may anticipate weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 for travel contracts, including various stipends. The earnings can fluctuate based on the employer; outpatient clinics, particularly private practices, may offer lower pay compared to hospitals but could balance this with performance bonuses. It's essential for physical therapists in Pittsburgh to weigh the benefits of employment packages that often include health insurance against opportunities that might provide high hourly rates without additional benefits. Negotiation strategies can emphasize the unique skill sets brought to specialized roles, particularly where demand outstrips supply, thus ensuring competitive compensation in this evolving market.
More salary data for Pittsburgh, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Pittsburgh in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Pittsburgh?
Are physical therapists in Pittsburgh paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Pittsburgh?
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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 Pittsburgh. 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