Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $49.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $49.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,186 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Wilkes-Barre, PA, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $49.03, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This pay offers solid compensation for part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week, who can expect to take home a respectable income while balancing other commitments. For per-diem physical therapists, often seen in varied settings like outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation units, or home health visits, this hourly rate contributes positively to flexible lifestyles. In Wilkes-Barre, hourly rates range from $37.07 at the entry-level to $62.17 for top earners, indicative of the career's potential for growth and specialization; these figures are estimated from annual salary data as employed practitioners fill diverse roles across the healthcare landscape.
About the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $37.07 | $296.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.87 | $326.97 |
| Median (P50) | $49.03 | $392.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.92 | $455.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.17 | $497.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $49.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.03/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $101,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,833. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,961.08 | $8,498 | $101,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.65 | $5,099 | $61,186 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.43 | $3,399 | $40,791 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Wilkes-Barre) | $49.03 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $101,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.14% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,637.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.03/hr = $61,186/year (purchasing power: $62,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,976/year (purchasing power: $104,699).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Wilkes-Barre grew 14.9% from $41.65/hr (2019) to $47.85/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.23/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
When considering their financial prospects, part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week in Wilkes-Barre can expect to earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. With part-time work translating into an annual take-home significantly lower than what a full-time position yields, many choose per-diem or agency opportunities that can command rates between $50 and $75 per hour depending on circumstances. Travel contracts can further enhance income, with physical therapists receiving $1,800 to $2,800 per week, inclusive of stipends. Employers like outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities often present varying pay scales, with some offering lower hourly rates compensated by health benefits, creating a trade-off situation for professionals. To maximize earnings, physical therapists should engage in negotiations for hourly pay, especially in niche areas like cash-pay sports therapy, where rates can reach $150 to $250 per hour. Addressing these financial dynamics, whether delivering therapy in a clinical or home setting, is key for physical therapists aiming to thrive in the evolving landscape of healthcare reimbursement trends.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
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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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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