Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $48.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in State College, PA runs $48.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,841 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $48.75, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a solid foundation for physical therapists working part-time, such as those on a 3-day-a-week schedule or per-diem workers in settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, or even in-home therapy. Entry-level physical therapists in the region may expect to start at approximately $38.51 per hour, while those in the top percentile can make as much as $64.18. This official BLS data offers a useful snapshot for both new graduates and seasoned professionals seeking to understand their earning potential in various local environments such as skilled nursing facilities, sports performance centers, and schools.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.51 | $308.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.08 | $312.63 |
| Median (P50) | $48.75 | $390.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.20 | $417.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.18 | $513.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $48.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.75/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $101,401 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,501. With a cost-of-living index of 96.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,950.02 | $8,450 | $101,401 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,170.01 | $5,070 | $60,841 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.01 | $3,380 | $40,560 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (State College) | $48.75 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $101,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.69% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,580.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.75/hr = $60,841/year (purchasing power: $62,877).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,401/year (purchasing power: $104,794).
CoL index: 96.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in State College grew 15.5% from $41.19/hr (2019) to $47.58/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.95/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 State College 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 State College
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that a therapist working two shifts per week could earn an estimated $61,440 annually compared to a full-time counterpart who can see their income significantly higher depending on hours worked and clinical setting. For per-diem therapists, the pay can range from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts at travel PT agencies sometimes yielding $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Hourly rates can also differ considerably among various employers in State College. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, like Athletico, may offer lower wages but come with benefits, while skilled nursing facilities might provide slightly higher hourly rates without comprehensive benefits. Those looking at sports medicine or agency work may find higher rates but without employer-provided health insurance. As negotiations take place, it’s vital for physical therapists to consider what benefits accompany their hourly pay and how their total compensation aligns with their career goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for State College, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in State College in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in State College?
Are physical therapists in State College paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in State College?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in State College?
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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 State College. 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