Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $48.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Summerville, SC runs $48.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Summerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,968 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summerville, South Carolina, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $48.85, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate offers a substantial income opportunity for part-time physical therapists working three days a week, particularly in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health visits. The hourly rates in this profession can vary significantly, ranging from $37.94 for entry-level positions to $66.25 for experienced top earners, indicative of this field’s diverse landscape. The figures are based on projected data from 2025 BLS estimates, making them essential benchmarks for anyone considering a career in physical therapy within Summerville.
About the Summerville 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) | $37.94 | $303.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.55 | $332.38 |
| Median (P50) | $48.85 | $390.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.02 | $472.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.25 | $530.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summerville
Based on $48.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.85/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summerville, SC can expect to earn approximately $101,614 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,624. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Summerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,954.12 | $8,468 | $101,614 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,172.47 | $5,081 | $60,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.65 | $3,387 | $40,646 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Summerville) | $48.85 |
| 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 Summerville, SC earn a median of $101,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.49% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $103,788.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.85/hr = $60,968/year (purchasing power: $66,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,614/year (purchasing power: $111,054).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Summerville grew 14.9% from $41.50/hr (2019) to $47.68/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.05/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 Summerville 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 Summerville
Evaluating part-time physical therapist earnings in Summerville reveals that a therapist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home about $61,547 annually, which is significantly less than what a full-time therapist might accumulate. For those exploring per diem opportunities, the pay can range widely; many per-diem physical therapists charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts can yield weekly pay from $1,800 to $2,800 plus stipends. Hourly wages also vary based on the type of employer. Outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico may offer less than hospital systems but can still include productivity bonuses that impact overall compensation. Therapists must weigh the benefits of stable positions with health insurance against potentially lucrative but less secure freelance or travel roles. For those negotiating hourly pay in Summerville, it's essential to consider the complete offer including benefits, work-life balance, and the opportunity for professional development amidst changing reimbursement models.
More salary data for Summerville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Summerville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Summerville?
Are physical therapists in Summerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Summerville?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Summerville?
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 Summerville. 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 Summerville 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