Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $49.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Columbia, SC runs $49.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,296 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,378 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the projected hourly pay for physical therapists in 2026 is $49.18, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62/hr. This hourly compensation makes physical therapy an attractive option for both full-time and part-time professionals, especially those working in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and sports centers. For part-time therapists, who might choose to work three days a week, the flexibility allows for work-life balance and the possibility of pursuing additional interests or supplementary income. The hourly range for physical therapists in Columbia varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $31.96/hr and experienced therapists earning up to $58.26/hr, reflecting a substantial income potential across different experience levels based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.96 | $255.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.58 | $308.61 |
| Median (P50) | $49.18 | $393.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.60 | $428.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.26 | $466.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $49.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.18/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $102,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,017. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,967.23 | $8,525 | $102,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,180.34 | $5,115 | $61,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $786.89 | $3,410 | $40,918 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Columbia) | $49.18 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $102,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% below the South Carolina state average of $103,749.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.18/hr = $61,378/year (purchasing power: $65,531).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,296/year (purchasing power: $109,218).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbia grew 12.3% from $42.75/hr (2019) to $48.00/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.39/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Focusing on the earnings potential, a part-time physical therapist working 24 hours a week in Columbia can take home a considerably different income compared to a full-time colleague. For example, working at the median hourly rate translates to roughly $51,000 annually, a major consideration for anyone contemplating a flexible work arrangement. Per diem physical therapists often see pay rates between $50-$75/hr depending on their employer, while travel contracts can reach upwards of $2,800/week. Meanwhile, specialists in cash-pay markets can bill significantly higher—up to $250/hr—especially in major metropolitan areas. Hourly rates can also fluctuate based on the type of employer; outpatient clinics may offer less than hospital systems, which might include benefits, balancing the trade-off between immediate pay and long-term job security. Negotiating for either a higher hourly rate or benefits like health insurance will depend on individual priorities, prevalent demand in the area, and the specific employer’s compensation structure in the competitive SC market.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Columbia?
Are physical therapists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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