Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Richland, WA: $53.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Richland, WA runs $53.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,283 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Richland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,375 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Richland, WA, a physical therapist earns a median hourly rate of $53.99, significantly higher than the national median of $50.62. This advantageous pay scale can be appealing for physical therapists seeking part-time positions, such as those working three days a week. With a robust hourly wage, part-time roles can still yield substantial annual earnings, especially in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers. For per-diem workers, the flexibility of this rate offers an attractive option, especially given the framework for hourly payments that range from $40.36 at the entry level to $69.15 for highly experienced professionals in the field. Overall, Richland provides a competitive environment for physical therapists looking to thrive within various clinical settings.
About the Richland 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) | $40.36 | $322.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.73 | $357.87 |
| Median (P50) | $53.99 | $431.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.94 | $503.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.15 | $553.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richland
Based on $53.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.99/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richland, WA can expect to earn approximately $112,291 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,783. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,159.45 | $9,358 | $112,291 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,295.67 | $5,615 | $67,375 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $863.78 | $3,743 | $44,916 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Richland) | $53.99 |
| 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 Richland, WA earn a median of $112,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.64% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% above the Washington state average of $109,973.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.99/hr = $67,375/year (purchasing power: $62,733).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,291/year (purchasing power: $104,554).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Richland grew 14.9% from $45.86/hr (2019) to $52.69/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.31/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 Richland 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 Richland
When considering the financial implications of part-time work in Richland, a physical therapist averaging 24 hours a week may take home around $41,772 annually, a striking contrast to the earnings of full-time counterparts. Opportunities for per-diem physical therapists can be lucrative, as many bill anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can generate even more substantial earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including various stipends. Hourly pay can significantly differ based on the employment type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and sports medicine facilities typically offering varied rates due to reimbursement models and productivity standards. Additionally, physical therapists at agencies or in private practice may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, highlighting a critical trade-off within the profession. Negotiating effectively in Richland may involve understanding the local market and being prepared to advocate for the best possible terms, whether for traditional employment or per diem arrangements.
More salary data for Richland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Richland in 2026?
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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 Richland. 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 Richland 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