Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $52.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Burien, WA runs $52.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,418 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,648 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $52.60 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate can be particularly appealing for professionals considering part-time opportunities or per-diem roles, which are common in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health environments. For physical therapists working part-time, typically around three days a week, the advantageous hourly rate opens the door to flexible schedules while providing a substantial income. The hourly range in Burien spans from $40.71 for entry-level positions to approximately $71.16 for the most experienced therapists. Such figures reflect the varying demands and clinical skill levels within the profession, with potential increases in pay corresponding to higher levels of expertise, specialization, or particular practice settings.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.71 | $325.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.62 | $356.97 |
| Median (P50) | $52.60 | $420.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.44 | $507.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.16 | $569.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $52.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.60/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $109,414 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,124. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,104.12 | $9,118 | $109,414 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,262.47 | $5,471 | $65,648 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $841.65 | $3,647 | $43,766 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Burien) | $52.60 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $109,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $109,968.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.60/hr = $65,648/year (purchasing power: $61,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,414/year (purchasing power: $101,875).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Burien grew 14.9% from $44.69/hr (2019) to $51.34/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.90/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 Burien 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 Burien
When examining part-time earnings, a physical therapist working 24 hours per week could expect to bring home around $65,184 annually, a decent sum but still less than full-time earnings. For those pursuing per diem work, the flexibility comes with varying pay rates; for instance, per diem physical therapists in Burien may bill between $50-$75 an hour, while travel PTs can earn $1,800-$2,800 per week on contracts that include stipends. Factors such as the type of employer significantly influence hourly wages; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower starting pay than hospital systems, which often come with benefits like health insurance. However, therapists might opt to accept lower hourly rates for the added security of health insurance benefits or choose higher pay without benefits for the flexibility it provides. Negotiating pay in Burien might involve leveraging local market data and highlighting specialized skills or certifications, especially in high-demand areas like pediatric or sports medicine clinics.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Burien?
Are physical therapists in Burien paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Burien?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Burien?
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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 Burien. 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 Burien 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