Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $45.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Middleton, WI runs $45.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,777 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,864 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $45.56 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $50.62. This rate is essential for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, common in various healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and home health visits. A typical part-time schedule of three days a week allows physical therapists to earn significant income while maintaining a flexible work-life balance. For those entry-level professionals starting at the 10th percentile, the hourly rate sits at $37.23, whereas experienced therapists at the 90th percentile can earn as much as $57.62, illustrating the growth potential within the profession in Middleton.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.23 | $297.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.66 | $317.30 |
| Median (P50) | $45.56 | $364.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.08 | $424.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.62 | $460.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $45.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.56/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $94,773 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,677. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,822.56 | $7,898 | $94,773 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,093.54 | $4,739 | $56,864 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $729.02 | $3,159 | $37,909 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Middleton) | $45.56 |
| 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 Middleton, WI earn a median of $94,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.98% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $102,461.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.56/hr = $56,864/year (purchasing power: $60,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,773/year (purchasing power: $101,470).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Middleton grew 14.9% from $38.71/hr (2019) to $44.47/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.68/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 Middleton 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 Middleton
For physical therapists who opt for part-time work, the take-home pay significantly differs from full-time income. A part-time physical therapist working 24 hours weekly can expect to earn around $56,700 annually compared to a full-time counterpart, who may earn upwards of $94,777. The per diem physical therapist pay in Middleton tends to reflect broader trends within the profession, with facility-based roles generally offering varied hourly rates. Those in high-demand specialties, for instance, may command between $50 and $75 per hour, whereas travel contracts can be even more lucrative, with weekly pay rates of $1,800 to $2,800. In Middleton, hourly rates vary significantly across different employer types, impacting overall job satisfaction and benefits. Therapists often face choices between lower-paid settings with comprehensive health benefits or higher-paying positions with no benefits, highlighting the importance of understanding compensation structures. For effective negotiation, staying informed about local market rates and demonstrating specialized training or credentials can help secure a better hourly rate.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Middleton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Middleton?
Are physical therapists in Middleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Middleton?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Middleton?
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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 Middleton. 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 Middleton 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