Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Hilton Head Island, SC: $47.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Hilton Head Island, SC runs $47.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Hilton Head Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.0, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,600 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hilton Head Island, physical therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $47.76, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate creates varied earning potential for professionals, particularly for those working part-time, such as three days a week in outpatient clinics or home health settings. With entry-level positions starting at around $38.63 and seasoned therapists earning up to $60.59, the spectrum of pay reflects the diversity of work environments, including inpatient rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers. The data used for these projections comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating continued demand for physical therapists in the area.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.63 | $309.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.42 | $331.40 |
| Median (P50) | $47.76 | $382.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.50 | $420.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.59 | $484.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilton Head Island
Based on $47.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.76/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilton Head Island, SC can expect to earn approximately $99,334 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,308. With a cost-of-living index of 98.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilton Head Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilton Head Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,910.26 | $8,278 | $99,334 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,146.16 | $4,967 | $59,600 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.11 | $3,311 | $39,733 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Hilton Head Island) | $47.76 |
| 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 Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $99,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.30% below the South Carolina state average of $103,788.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.76/hr = $59,600/year (purchasing power: $60,806).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,334/year (purchasing power: $101,343).
CoL index: 98.017 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hilton Head Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Hilton Head Island grew 10.8% from $42.06/hr (2019) to $46.61/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.93/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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
Considering the financial dynamics of part-time work, a physical therapist operating on a three-day schedule, equating to approximately 24 hours per week, could take home around $59,580 annually. In contrast, per diem physical therapists typically earn between $50 to $75 an hour, depending on the clinic or agency. Additionally, travel contracts can yield even higher returns, reported at $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including essential stipends. Various settings influence hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics, for instance, may pay less than hospital systems but might offer productivity bonuses. This choice illustrates the common trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, with some therapists opting for lower pay in exchange for health insurance. Effective negotiation strategies in Hilton Head Island could involve discussing productivity expectations and aligning compensation with the dynamic movement toward cash-pay models in physical therapy.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Hilton Head Island in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Hilton Head Island?
Are physical therapists in Hilton Head Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Hilton Head Island?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hilton Head Island?
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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 Hilton Head Island. 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