Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Franklin, TN: $50.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Franklin, TN runs $50.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,648 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,784 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, physical therapists in Franklin, Tennessee, earn a median hourly rate of $50.31, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate is particularly beneficial for part-time workers, such as those who operate three days a week, allowing them to tailor schedules around other commitments while still earning a substantial hourly wage. Per-diem physical therapists also find opportunities in various settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies, benefiting from flexibility in their schedules. With an hourly range spanning from $39.00 at the lower end to $66.17 for top earners, this profession offers a viable earning potential that reflects both entry-level positions and seasoned specialists.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.00 | $311.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.73 | $341.81 |
| Median (P50) | $50.31 | $402.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.70 | $477.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.17 | $529.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $50.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.31/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, TN can expect to earn approximately $104,640 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,369. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,012.31 | $8,720 | $104,640 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,207.39 | $5,232 | $62,784 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $804.93 | $3,488 | $41,856 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Franklin) | $50.31 |
| 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 Franklin, TN earn a median of $104,648 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.61% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.80% above the Tennessee state average of $99,855.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.31/hr = $62,784/year (purchasing power: $68,392).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,640/year (purchasing power: $113,987).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Franklin grew 14.9% from $42.74/hr (2019) to $49.10/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.55/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 Franklin 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 Franklin
Analyzing the earning potential for physical therapists in Franklin, someone working part-time at 24 hours a week takes home a significantly different annual income than their full-time counterparts. With many physical therapists accepting per diem roles, it's common to bill rates between $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can further elevate earnings, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 a week. Various employer types impact hourly rates; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Athletico may offer lower hourly pay in exchange for productivity bonuses, while hospitals often provide benefits but may lower hourly pay slightly. Negotiating an hourly rate can be strategic, especially if one is willing to trade slightly lower wages for comprehensive health insurance. Understanding these dynamics of physical therapist hourly pay in Franklin, TN, is essential for planning a successful career path in this evolving field.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Franklin in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Franklin?
Are physical therapists in Franklin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Franklin?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Franklin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Franklin. 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 Franklin 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