Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $52.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Arlington, TX runs $52.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,920 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Arlington, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $52.02 in 2026, which positions it slightly above the national hourly median of $50.62. This competitive rate benefits those in various employment settings, such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health environments, particularly for part-time staff working three days a week or on a per-diem basis. The hourly range for physical therapists in this area spans from $36.30 for entry-level positions to $71.09 for those at the top of the pay scale. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, making them relevant for anyone evaluating their potential earnings in therapeutic roles across Arlington, TX.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.30 | $290.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.51 | $332.05 |
| Median (P50) | $52.02 | $416.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.64 | $501.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.09 | $568.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $52.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.02/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $108,199 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,423. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,080.76 | $9,017 | $108,199 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,248.45 | $5,410 | $64,920 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $832.30 | $3,607 | $43,280 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Arlington) | $52.02 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $108,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.00% above the Texas state average of $107,130.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.02/hr = $64,920/year (purchasing power: $67,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,199/year (purchasing power: $112,708).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Arlington grew 14.9% from $44.19/hr (2019) to $50.77/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.30/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Analyzing the earning potential reveals interesting dynamics, especially for part-time physical therapists who work 24 hours per week. These therapists can take home a considerable sum annually, although it is notably less than full-time professionals. On the per-diem front, therapists frequently charge between $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, particularly appealing for those seeking flexibility. Different workplace environments in Arlington also lead to varied hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay less than hospital systems but might offer incentives that impact overall compensation. For therapists weighing the benefits of hourly pay versus job security through health insurance, negotiating effectively is essential. Understanding market trends and preparing for discussions based on the specifics of various employer types will enhance negotiations, ultimately shaping a fulfilling career in physical therapy within Arlington.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Arlington?
Are physical therapists in Arlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Arlington?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Arlington?
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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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