Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Eau Claire, WI: $48.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Eau Claire, WI runs $48.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,036 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Eau Claire's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,623 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $48.58 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This represents a solid compensation for professionals working in varied settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, hospital inpatient rehab units, and home health visits. For part-time physical therapists working three days a week, that rate translates to a meaningful income, while per-diem workers often find flexible opportunities. The hourly wage in this field spans from $39.26 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $60.29 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience and expertise levels within Eau Claire's healthcare landscape. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.26 | $314.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.84 | $334.76 |
| Median (P50) | $48.58 | $388.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.79 | $406.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.29 | $482.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eau Claire
Based on $48.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.58/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eau Claire, WI can expect to earn approximately $101,039 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,292. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eau Claire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eau Claire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,943.05 | $8,420 | $101,039 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,165.83 | $5,052 | $60,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $777.22 | $3,368 | $40,415 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Eau Claire) | $48.58 |
| 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 Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $101,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.04% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $102,470.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.58/hr = $60,623/year (purchasing power: $65,330).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,039/year (purchasing power: $108,883).
CoL index: 92.796 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Eau Claire grew 6.0% from $44.72/hr (2019) to $47.41/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.77/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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
Examining the financial aspects of part-time work reveals intriguing contrasts. A physical therapist in Eau Claire working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would see an annual take-home significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, illustrating a trade-off that many face when opting for flexibility. Per-diem physical therapists might experience a different situation, commonly billing between $50 and $75 per hour, and traveling contracts can range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, suggesting a lucrative opportunity for those willing to travel. Hourly rates also vary as a result of workplace settings; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower pay compared to advanced options in hospital rehabilitation settings or neurotherapy environments. While some physical therapists might prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, others may accept a lower rate for comprehensive health coverage. Practical negotiation tips for those working hourly in Eau Claire include understanding local market rates and emphasizing unique skills that align with specific employer needs.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Eau Claire. 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