Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $46.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $46.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,180 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,309 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $46.72, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This hourly rate reflects the income potential for part-time physical therapists who may work three days a week, as well as those in per-diem roles prevalent in various settings like outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health agencies. The hourly earnings in Wauwatosa range from $36.52 for entry-level positions to $60.29 for experienced professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary expectations; thus, they provide a way to ascertain how physical therapists in this area could plan their finances whether they work part-time or full-time.
About the Wauwatosa 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) | $36.52 | $292.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.68 | $317.46 |
| Median (P50) | $46.72 | $373.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.02 | $440.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.29 | $482.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa
Based on $46.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.72/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $97,181 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,066. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,868.87 | $8,098 | $97,181 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,121.32 | $4,859 | $58,309 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $747.55 | $3,239 | $38,873 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Wauwatosa) | $46.72 |
| 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 Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $97,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.70% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $102,511.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.72/hr = $58,309/year (purchasing power: $62,429).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,181/year (purchasing power: $104,048).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Wauwatosa grew 14.9% from $39.69/hr (2019) to $45.60/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.87/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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
Part-time physical therapists in Wauwatosa can earn a relatable income by working a 24-hour week, which translates to approximately $54,857 annually. In contrast, full-time counterparts enjoy higher income stability but face different pressures, including productivity expectations that vary by employment sector. Furthermore, per-diem physical therapists often see significantly higher hourly rates when compared to their salaried peers, commonly billing between $50 and $75 an hour for agency work, while travel PT contracts can guarantee earnings between $1,800 and $2,800 per week. It's crucial to note that practices across different settings—such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities—can have varying pay scales. While some physical therapists might opt for lower hourly wages that include health benefits, others may choose higher hourly rates without benefits, aligning with personal career priorities. Negotiating pay in Wauwatosa is an essential skill; understanding local market rates and having a clear rationale for the desired pay can enhance discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Wauwatosa in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Wauwatosa?
Are physical therapists in Wauwatosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Wauwatosa?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Wauwatosa?
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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 Wauwatosa. 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 Wauwatosa 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