Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in South Charleston, WV: $45.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in South Charleston, WV runs $45.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against South Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,634 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Charleston, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $45.38 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This rate is crucial for those contemplating part-time positions or per-diem opportunities within the various settings available, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $35.96 per hour, while experienced professionals in the upper range may earn up to $54.60. For therapists working three days a week in outpatient settings, the earnings can supplement other income streams, while per-diem professionals find flexibility in their schedules, making it easier to balance personal commitments with work demands. The insights into hourly rates provide a useful framework for understanding job prospects in this region of West Virginia.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.96 | $287.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.69 | $309.51 |
| Median (P50) | $45.38 | $363.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.15 | $409.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.60 | $436.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Charleston
Based on $45.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.38/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $94,389 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,455. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,815.18 | $7,866 | $94,389 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,089.11 | $4,719 | $56,634 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.07 | $3,146 | $37,756 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (South Charleston) | $45.38 |
| 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 South Charleston, WV earn a median of $94,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.35% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $98,530.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.38/hr = $56,634/year (purchasing power: $65,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,389/year (purchasing power: $109,121).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in South Charleston grew 14.9% from $38.55/hr (2019) to $44.29/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.50/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 South Charleston 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 South Charleston
Looking into the earning potential for physical therapists in South Charleston reveals some interesting dynamics, especially for those choosing part-time or per-diem work. A physical therapist working 24 hours a week can take home about $56,125 annually, which offers a solid income but is notably less than what full-time employees might earn. Per diem physical therapists typically command higher hourly rates ranging from $50 to $75, allowing them to maximize their income based on demand. Additionally, those willing to travel for contracts may find lucrative offers, with weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially in high-volume settings like hospital inpatient rehab or orthopedic clinics. The compensation structure varies across employer types, with larger hospital systems often providing better benefits compared to private practices. While some physical therapists may opt for the stability of lower hourly rates with comprehensive health insurance, others might prioritize the higher pay rates that come with less job security and no benefits. Negotiating hourly rates can be crucial; building a case around experience and specialty credentials can enhance earning prospects in the competitive market of South Charleston, WV.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in South Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in South Charleston?
Are physical therapists in South Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in South Charleston?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in South Charleston?
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 South Charleston. 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 South Charleston 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