Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Cranston, RI: $49.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Cranston, RI runs $49.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,503 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Cranston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Cranston, Rhode Island, offers a median hourly pay of $49.76 for physical therapists, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate can be quite favorable for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital inpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities. With an hourly range from $38.58 for entry-level positions up to $67.26 for the highest earners, physical therapists in Cranston can expect a diverse set of pay scenarios depending on their experience, skills, and the specific environment in which they work. It's crucial to remember that these figures are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the competitive nature of the profession within the Rhode Island area.
About the Cranston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.58 | $308.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.26 | $338.12 |
| Median (P50) | $49.76 | $398.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.14 | $481.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.26 | $538.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cranston
Based on $49.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.76/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cranston, RI can expect to earn approximately $103,511 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,718. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cranston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cranston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,990.59 | $8,626 | $103,511 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,194.36 | $5,176 | $62,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.24 | $3,450 | $41,404 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Cranston) | $49.76 |
| 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 Cranston, RI earn a median of $103,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $105,831.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.76/hr = $62,106/year (purchasing power: $61,798).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,511/year (purchasing power: $102,996).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Cranston grew 14.9% from $42.27/hr (2019) to $48.57/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.99/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 Cranston 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 Cranston
For physical therapists working part-time in Cranston, such as those on a 3-day workweek schedule averaging 24 hours, the take-home pay can vary significantly compared to full-time therapists. These individuals may see a more limited annual salary, yet it remains essential to explore supplementary options like per-diem work or travel contracts, which often offer higher pay rates. Per diem physical therapist pay in Cranston typically ranges from $50-$75 per hour, and travel contracts can command weekly totals of $1,800-$2,800, including stipends. Employers, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and rehabilitation facilities, may offer different hourly rates based on factors like overhead costs and patient volume. Therapists should weigh the benefits of steady employment against the opportunity for higher hourly wages without benefits, as negotiating effectively can lead to better terms in a variety of job settings. Understanding market trends and having clear expectations can empower therapists to negotiate the best possible hourly compensation in Cranston.
More salary data for Cranston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Cranston in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Cranston?
Are physical therapists in Cranston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Cranston?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Cranston?
Related Pages
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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 Cranston. 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 Cranston 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