Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $48.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Tukwila, WA runs $48.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,968 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The physical therapist hourly pay in Tukwila, Washington, is projected to be $48.85 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This competitive rate allows for flexibility in scheduling, making part-time roles—or working three days a week—an attractive option for professionals seeking a work-life balance. In outpatient clinic environments, hospital rehabilitation units, and home health settings, therapists can expect to earn within a range that spans from $39.90 for entry-level positions to $60.08 for those at the peak of their careers. These hourly rates, estimated from annual salary data, reflect the local demand for expertise in physical therapy amidst diverse practice environments throughout Tukwila.
About the Tukwila 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) | $39.90 | $319.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.40 | $331.23 |
| Median (P50) | $48.85 | $390.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.86 | $446.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.08 | $480.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $48.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.85/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $101,614 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,624. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,954.12 | $8,468 | $101,614 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,172.47 | $5,081 | $60,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.65 | $3,387 | $40,646 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Tukwila) | $48.85 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $101,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.49% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $109,967.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.85/hr = $60,968/year (purchasing power: $56,768).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,614/year (purchasing power: $94,613).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Tukwila grew 14.9% from $41.50/hr (2019) to $47.68/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.05/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Evaluating the working landscape for physical therapists, those opting for part-time positions can anticipate a different financial outcome compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week could expect a considerable annual take-home pay, although it would be less than what full-timers earn. Per diem physical therapist pay in Tukwila is often higher, typically ranging from $50 to $75/hour, making it a lucrative option for those who prefer flexibility without a long-term commitment. Meanwhile, specialized roles in high-cost areas can lead cash-pay practitioners to bill upwards of $150 to $250 per hour. Employers in Tukwila—including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports medicine centers—vary significantly in pay, driven by reimbursement structures and productivity models. Therapists may find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates against the stability and benefits associated with traditional employment. To maximize earnings, negotiating hourly rates, especially when considering contracts with outpatient chains versus hospitals, can affect overall compensation and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Tukwila?
Are physical therapists in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Tukwila?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
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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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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