Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Puyallup, WA: $50.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Puyallup, WA runs $50.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,262 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Puyallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Puyallup, Washington, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected at $50.60, which is slightly under the national median of $50.62 per hour. This daily remuneration can be quite beneficial for those who seek part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or for per-diem professionals who provide services in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, sports performance centers, and home health visits. Within this market, entry-level salaries start at around $40.37, while seasoned therapists can command up to $64.61 per hour, reflecting the wealth of opportunities available. These estimates derived from annual salary data indicate that the earning potential for physical therapists in Puyallup is competitive, especially when factoring in the area's cost of living index of 107.4.
About the Puyallup 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) | $40.37 | $322.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.59 | $348.69 |
| Median (P50) | $50.60 | $404.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.11 | $480.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.61 | $516.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Puyallup
Based on $50.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.60/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Puyallup, WA can expect to earn approximately $105,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,726. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Puyallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Puyallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,024.20 | $8,772 | $105,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,214.52 | $5,263 | $63,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $809.68 | $3,509 | $42,103 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Puyallup) | $50.60 |
| 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 Puyallup, WA earn a median of $105,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $109,877.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.60/hr = $63,155/year (purchasing power: $58,804).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,258/year (purchasing power: $98,006).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Puyallup grew 14.9% from $42.99/hr (2019) to $49.39/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.85/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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup
Physical therapists choosing to work part-time in Puyallup can expect varied annual take-home figures depending on their weekly hours. For instance, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $62,700 annually, an attractive figure compared to the full-time equivalent. Many professionals in this field also explore per-diem or agency roles, where physical therapist pay in Puyallup often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while more specialized roles, such as cash-pay therapists in high-cost-of-living locations, may bill upwards of $150 to $250 per hour. Competitive compensation can differ based on employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower rates compared to hospitals and specialized clinics that provide healthcare benefits. Negotiating for better pay, especially for per-diem positions, often entails understanding market rates and advocating for one's skill set while considering the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits and stable employment with benefits.
More salary data for Puyallup, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Puyallup in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Puyallup?
Are physical therapists in Puyallup paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Puyallup?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Puyallup?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Puyallup. 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 Puyallup 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