Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $48.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Decatur, AL runs $48.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,001 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,997 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $48.07, slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This median rate provides a foundation for part-time and per-diem therapists, who often work in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health visits. For instance, a physical therapist working three days a week and 24 hours total could expect to bring home a competitive income, while per-diem workers typically enjoy flexible schedules and remuneration that can vary widely. In Decatur, entry-level therapists might start closer to the lower end of the spectrum, approximately $36.79, while more experienced professionals can command up to $64.62 per hour, highlighting a significant disparity as one progresses in their career. The numbers presented here are derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, illustrating the well-defined pay structure for physical therapists in this locality.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.79 | $294.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.37 | $354.92 |
| Median (P50) | $48.07 | $384.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.83 | $470.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.62 | $516.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $48.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.07/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $99,994 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,689. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,922.97 | $8,333 | $99,994 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,153.78 | $5,000 | $59,997 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $769.19 | $3,333 | $39,998 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Decatur) | $48.07 |
| 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 Decatur, AL earn a median of $100,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.02% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.60% above the Alabama state average of $99,405.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.07/hr = $59,997/year (purchasing power: $68,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,994/year (purchasing power: $114,657).
CoL index: 87.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Decatur grew 14.9% from $40.84/hr (2019) to $46.92/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.26/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Considering the practical implications of hourly pay, a part-time physical therapist in Decatur, working 24 hours a week, would bring home around $50,000 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time therapist who could potentially earn $100,001 in a year. The per diem physical therapist pay in Decatur ranges broadly, with individuals billing anywhere from $50-$75 per hour, significantly impacting their overall income from per-diem or agency work. Moreover, travel PT positions often provide contractual earnings that range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, inclusive of stipends for housing and travel expenses, which can be attractive to those seeking higher compensation in exchange for flexibility. Rates can differ depending on employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico offering lower hourly pay compared to hospital rehab facilities that might provide benefits like health insurance. As a rule of thumb, negotiating for better pay can often yield favorable results, particularly if you are willing to forgo benefits for a higher hourly rate.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Decatur in 2026?
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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 Decatur. 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, 6-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