Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $49.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Memphis, TN runs $49.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,480 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, TN, physical therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $49.26, slightly below the national average of $50.62. This figure represents a competitive rate, especially for varied practice settings, which include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, and home health services. Part-time or per-diem physical therapists often thrive on flexibility, working in different environments like school therapy rooms and sports performance centers. With an hourly range stretching from $35.09 for entry-level positions to $62.11 for the most experienced professionals, Memphis offers a relevant landscape for both newcomers and seasoned therapists looking to maximize their earning potential.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.09 | $280.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.77 | $318.20 |
| Median (P50) | $49.26 | $394.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.80 | $438.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.11 | $496.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $49.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.26/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $102,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,115. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,970.51 | $8,539 | $102,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,182.31 | $5,123 | $61,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $788.20 | $3,416 | $40,987 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Memphis) | $49.26 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $102,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.60% above the Tennessee state average of $99,864.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.26/hr = $61,480/year (purchasing power: $66,696).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,467/year (purchasing power: $111,160).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Memphis grew 11.8% from $43.02/hr (2019) to $48.08/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.47/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Considering part-time opportunities, a physical therapist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could make around $61,329 annually, a figure reflecting a lifestyle choice that balances work and personal commitments. The per diem market is even more lucrative, with physical therapists billing between $50 and $75 per hour, depending on their specialty and setting. For those willing to travel, contracts can yield up to $2,800 weekly, including benefits, which can significantly boost income for flexible professionals. Earnings also vary by employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital systems that provide health insurance benefits. For physical therapists in Memphis, careful negotiation and an awareness of employment benefits are essential to striking the right balance between hourly pay and job security.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Memphis in 2026?
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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 Memphis. 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