Physical Therapist Salary in Hastings, NE: $93,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Hastings, NE earns a median $93,990/year (≈ $45.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $102,721 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected physical therapist salary in Hastings, NE, is $93,990 for 2026, reflecting a significant opportunity for professionals in the field, especially as cash-pay models for sports and orthopedic therapy become increasingly popular. This growing trend is influencing the upper salary spectrum, which ranges from $70,115 to $117,601. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data projected into 2026 and account for regional price adjustments, demonstrating the city’s competitive position within the broader healthcare market. The environment in Hastings suggests that there are viable pathways for physical therapists to enhance their earnings, particularly as demand for specialized care rises.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,115 | $33.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,363 | $37.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,990 | $45.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,154 | $52.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,601 | $56.54 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,486 (2026 est.). At $93,990, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be above the median
How Hastings Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Hastings median: $93,990/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $96,301 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -10.73% less |
Physical Therapists in Hastings, NE earn a median of $93,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $96,301.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $93,990 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,721 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,842
2025 BLS Actual
$91,733
2026 Current Est.
$93,990
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,842 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,244 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,359 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,234 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,302 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $79,842 (2019) to $91,733 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,302 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,460 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,115 – $77,363 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,363 – $93,990 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,990 – $108,154 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,154 – $117,601 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Hastings
With only five physical therapists currently employed in Hastings, the local job market remains relatively compact, which can lead to both challenges and advantages. The cost-of-living index is notably low at 91.5, enhancing purchasing power for salaries that, while on par with averages, may provide a better standard of living compared to larger urban areas. Employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital rehabilitation facilities tend to offer the most lucrative roles, often supplemented by productivity bonuses and stipends for specialized board certifications like OCS or SCS. The disparity in pay between entry-level positions and higher-salary opportunities can stem from varying productivity expectations, with clinics often striving to maximize patient visits per day. For those seeking to maximize their income, pursuing advanced certifications and considering the cash-pay model could yield higher returns in a city like Hastings.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Hastings, NE in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Hastings?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Hastings?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $91,733 for physical therapistsin the Hastings metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hastings 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