Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $52.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Seattle, WA runs $52.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,929 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,955 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $52.85 in 2026, slightly exceeding the national median of $50.62. This competitive hourly rate appeals to those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, common in settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, and home health visits. For physical therapists working three days a week, this median equates to substantial earnings that can support a balanced lifestyle, while per-diem opportunities in Seattle vary, offering a range of $31.92 at the lower end to $71.40 for top earners, reflecting differences in facilities and specialties. The comprehensive data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics affirms that even entry-level positions can provide a viable income pathway, with the profession's robust demand driving favorable compensation.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.92 | $255.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.82 | $374.59 |
| Median (P50) | $52.85 | $422.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.55 | $524.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.40 | $571.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $52.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.85/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $109,926 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,419. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,113.95 | $9,160 | $109,926 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,268.37 | $5,496 | $65,955 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $845.58 | $3,664 | $43,970 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Seattle) | $52.85 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $109,929 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.41% higher than the national median of $105,288.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.85/hr = $65,955/year (purchasing power: $59,348).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,926/year (purchasing power: $98,914).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Seattle grew 18.7% from $43.44/hr (2019) to $51.58/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.15/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Looking at the financial dynamics further, a physical therapist working part-time at 24 hours a week might take home an annual income well over $80,000, making this an attractive option for many professionals seeking flexible schedules. Conversely, per diem physical therapist pay in Seattle can range from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts frequently exceeding $1,800 weekly, bolstering earnings significantly. Differences in hourly compensation are evident across employer types: outpatient orthopedic clinics often pay less compared to hospitals, yet they may offer fewer benefits. Some therapists prefer roles that provide health insurance even at a lower hourly rate, trading-off immediate income for long-term security. Negotiating hourly rates can also be beneficial; understanding the variance in pay based on the setting or securing additional benefits can make a considerable impact on overall job satisfaction. Such factors highlight the diverse earning potential for physical therapists in Seattle, positioning them advantageously in a changing healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Seattle in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Seattle?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Seattle?
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Related Pages
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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 Seattle. 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