Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Olympia, WA: $51.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Olympia, WA runs $51.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,327 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Olympia's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.7, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,395 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Physical therapists in Olympia, WA, are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $51.60, which is slightly above the national median of $50.62. This figure is significant for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers who often find themselves in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and homes. Those starting in the field can expect to earn around $39.77 per hour, while seasoned professionals at the top of their game can reach rates up to $63.58. With these figures grounded in 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, they illustrate the compensation landscape for physical therapists in Olympia, providing a clear picture of the profession's financial rewards.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.77 | $318.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.62 | $356.97 |
| Median (P50) | $51.60 | $412.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.05 | $496.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.58 | $508.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olympia
Based on $51.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.60/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olympia, WA can expect to earn approximately $107,326 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,919. With a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Olympia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olympia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,063.95 | $8,944 | $107,326 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,238.37 | $5,366 | $64,395 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $825.58 | $3,578 | $42,930 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Olympia) | $51.60 |
| 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 Olympia, WA earn a median of $107,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.94% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $109,966.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.60/hr = $64,395/year (purchasing power: $62,116).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,326/year (purchasing power: $103,526).
CoL index: 103.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Olympia grew 16.4% from $43.26/hr (2019) to $50.36/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.87/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 Olympia 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 Olympia
In terms of financial viability, a part-time physical therapist working three days a week for around 24 hours can expect to take home approximately $53,081 annually, contrasting with full-time earnings in a competitive marketplace. Per-diem physical therapists typically command billing rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts yielding weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800. Private outpatient practices may offer lower hourly wages compared to hospitals, but they often provide bonuses tied to productivity, transforming pay scales depending on the therapist’s contract. Additionally, physical therapists must weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly rates coupled with benefits versus higher pay without insurance. When negotiating, local practitioners should consider emphasizing their areas of specialization, potential patient load, and flexibility to increase their bargaining power in Olympia's diverse healthcare settings.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Olympia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Olympia?
Are physical therapists in Olympia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Olympia?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Olympia?
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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 Olympia. 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