Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in San Antonio, TX: $52.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in San Antonio, TX runs $52.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,618 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against San Antonio's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,175 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Antonio, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $52.22 in 2026, which sits slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem positions, especially in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health. Part-time therapists working three days a week can expect to earn around $40,000 annually, while per-diem therapists typically earn more than their salaried counterparts, given their flexible work arrangements. The hourly pay spectrum ranges from about $37.44 for entry-level positions to $67.60 for experienced therapists, demonstrating the potential for growth in this profession. Such figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, providing a reliable reference for aspiring physical therapists in TX.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.44 | $299.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.07 | $336.56 |
| Median (P50) | $52.22 | $417.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.68 | $493.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.60 | $540.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Antonio
Based on $52.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.22/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Antonio, TX can expect to earn approximately $108,626 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,669. With a cost-of-living index of 94.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Antonio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Antonio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,088.95 | $9,052 | $108,626 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,253.37 | $5,431 | $65,175 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $835.58 | $3,621 | $43,450 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (San Antonio) | $52.22 |
| 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 San Antonio, TX earn a median of $108,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.16% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% above the Texas state average of $107,118.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.22/hr = $65,175/year (purchasing power: $68,811).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,626/year (purchasing power: $114,686).
CoL index: 94.716 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in San Antonio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in San Antonio grew 29.3% from $39.43/hr (2019) to $50.97/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.51/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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio
For therapists considering part-time work in San Antonio, the economic realities of a 24-hour work week illustrate a different perspective on income compared to full-time positions. With part-time work earning roughly $40,000 per year, some PTs may opt for per diem roles to maximize their earnings. Per diem physical therapist pay in San Antonio often falls between $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts giving therapists substantial weekly compensation, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, inclusive of stipends. On the other hand, hourly rates may vary substantially across employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering lower pay than hospital inpatient settings but often with less stringent productivity demands. Therapists need to weigh the trade-offs of hourly pay against benefits like health insurance, which traditional jobs provide but at a potential cost to hourly rate. Negotiation is key—communicating effectively about compensation can make a significant difference, particularly in a city where physical therapy practices are becoming increasingly competitive.
More salary data for San Antonio, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in San Antonio in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in San Antonio?
Are physical therapists in San Antonio paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in San Antonio?
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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 San Antonio. 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