Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $50.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $50.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,426 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, physical therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $50.02, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate is indicative of the financial landscape for practitioners in a range of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and home health environments. For part-time therapists working three days a week, the potential earnings on an hourly basis can provide a solid income stream, particularly in a community where the cost of living index stands at 91.8, making it more affordable than the national average. The hourly pay ranges from $37.56 for entry-level positions to $66.65 for experienced therapists, which gives insight into the financial progression achievable within the field. These figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates, allowing for a sensible evaluation of the physical therapist hourly rate in TN.
About the Murfreesboro 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) | $37.56 | $300.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.72 | $333.77 |
| Median (P50) | $50.02 | $400.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.63 | $485.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.65 | $533.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $50.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.02/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $104,044 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,025. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,000.84 | $8,670 | $104,044 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,200.50 | $5,202 | $62,426 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $800.34 | $3,468 | $41,617 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Murfreesboro) | $50.02 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $104,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.18% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.20% above the Tennessee state average of $99,852.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.02/hr = $62,426/year (purchasing power: $68,002).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,044/year (purchasing power: $113,337).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Murfreesboro grew 14.9% from $42.49/hr (2019) to $48.82/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.25/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time physical therapists sheds light on the financial choices professionals make in Murfreesboro. A therapist working 24 hours a week, for example, could earn $62,106 annually, which offers viable income but still falls short of full-time positions. Many opt for per diem work, with per diem physical therapist pay in Murfreesboro ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can net between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, depending on the location and needs. Additionally, certain specializations in high-cost areas are billing top rates of $150 to $250 per hour, appealing to therapists looking for cash-pay opportunities outside of traditional insurance models. The variability in hourly rates across different employment types in Murfreesboro—whether it be outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or sports medicine practices—highlights the need for professionals to negotiate their worth effectively. As some therapists may prioritize benefits over higher pay, understanding the trade-offs associated with each opportunity is essential for making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Murfreesboro?
Are physical therapists in Murfreesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Murfreesboro?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Murfreesboro?
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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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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