Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $46.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Bluffton, SC runs $46.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,437 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,462 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist hourly pay in Bluffton, SC, is projected to be $46.84, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62. This rate offers a solid opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and other settings. For instance, a physical therapist working three days a week at this hourly rate would earn approximately $72,000 annually. The hourly range for therapists in Bluffton starts at about $36.90 for entry-level positions and can go as high as $60.79 for top earners in specialized roles, indicating a healthy variance that reflects experience and specialization in the field. These estimates, drawn from annual salary data, reveal how local demand and employment trends may influence hourly earnings in this profession.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.90 | $295.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.00 | $320.00 |
| Median (P50) | $46.84 | $374.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.37 | $442.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.79 | $486.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $46.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.84/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $97,437 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,214. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,873.79 | $8,120 | $97,437 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.27 | $4,872 | $58,462 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.52 | $3,248 | $38,975 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Bluffton) | $46.84 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $97,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.46% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.10% below the South Carolina state average of $103,767.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.84/hr = $58,462/year (purchasing power: $63,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,437/year (purchasing power: $106,489).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Bluffton grew 14.9% from $39.79/hr (2019) to $45.72/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.00/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
Examining the earning potential, a physical therapist working part-time, specifically three days a week for a total of 24 hours, would take home around $70,784 annually compared to a full-time therapist’s typical earnings. On the per-diem side, physical therapists in Bluffton often bill $50-$75 per hour, while travel contracts can provide even higher earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including various stipends. However, hourly rates vary by employer; outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital settings often pay differently depending on the structure of their facilities and whether benefits are included. Some therapists may opt for positions with a lower hourly rate but with health insurance and other benefits, weighing their options based on personal financial needs. Effective negotiation is essential for hourly positions; knowing the local market rates and demonstrating skills can significantly influence compensation discussions in Bluffton’s diverse healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Bluffton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Bluffton?
Are physical therapists in Bluffton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Bluffton?
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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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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