Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $49.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Sumter, SC runs $49.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,993 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,800 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For physical therapists in Sumter, South Carolina, the projected hourly wage is estimated at $49.52, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This rate is critical for those considering part-time or per-diem positions in various settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. With a pay range starting at $29.64 for entry-level positions and peaking at $56.75 for experienced therapists, Sumter offers a variety of options for physical therapists seeking both stability and flexibility in their work schedules. The figures presented here are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.64 | $237.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.49 | $315.90 |
| Median (P50) | $49.52 | $396.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.84 | $438.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.75 | $454.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $49.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.52/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $102,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,423. With a cost-of-living index of 88.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,980.76 | $8,583 | $102,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,188.45 | $5,150 | $61,800 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $792.30 | $3,433 | $41,200 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Sumter) | $49.52 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $102,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.18% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $103,823.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.52/hr = $61,800/year (purchasing power: $70,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,999/year (purchasing power: $117,018).
CoL index: 88.02 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Sumter grew 24.8% from $38.74/hr (2019) to $48.33/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.74/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
With part-time physical therapists working an estimated 24 hours per week, the total annual income from these hourly rates can lead to a significantly lower income compared to full-time positions. For instance, those in per-diem roles may find success by billing $50 to $75 per hour, translating to potentially higher earnings even if working fewer hours, while travel physical therapists can earn between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, inclusive of travel stipends. The differences in hourly pay often reflect the type of employer; outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay less than hospital rehabs but can offer bonuses based on productivity. Therapists in Sumter have options ranging from higher hourly wages without benefits to lower rates that include health coverage, highlighting a common trade-off in the field. Those negotiating hourly compensation should consider local market rates and be prepared to discuss their credentials and experience, especially in a competitive job climate where agencies may seek to attract talent with enticing offers.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Sumter in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Sumter?
Are physical therapists in Sumter paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Sumter?
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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 Sumter. 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, 6-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