Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $49.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Jonesboro, AR runs $49.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,470 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,480 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Jonesboro, Arkansas, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $49.26, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate can provide a solid foundation for various employment arrangements, including part-time schedules, where a therapist working three days a week may find their income sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle. For per-diem physical therapists, who often work flexible hours often in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even home health visits, hourly compensation can significantly enhance their earnings potential. The hourly pay for physical therapists in Jonesboro can range from a starting rate of $35.98 at the lower end to as much as $60.59 for experienced practitioners, making it vital for new graduates to consider a range of employment options to maximize their earning potential.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.98 | $287.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.47 | $315.74 |
| Median (P50) | $49.26 | $394.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.73 | $445.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.59 | $484.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $49.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.26/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $102,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,115. With a cost-of-living index of 85.88 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,970.51 | $8,539 | $102,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,182.31 | $5,123 | $61,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $788.20 | $3,416 | $40,987 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Jonesboro) | $49.26 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $102,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.68% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.10% above the Arkansas state average of $102,368.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.26/hr = $61,480/year (purchasing power: $71,592).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,467/year (purchasing power: $119,319).
CoL index: 85.876 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Jonesboro grew 22.4% from $39.28/hr (2019) to $48.08/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.47/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time physical therapists, those working in Jonesboro for 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $61,200 annually, which is quite advantageous compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem therapists in the area may command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel contracts sometimes offering up to $2,800 a week. However, physical therapists employed in outpatient orthopedic clinics or skilled nursing facilities might see variations in pay due to differences in operational models and employer types. The decision often comes down to a trade-off: accepting a lower hourly rate in exchange for employee benefits or opting for higher pay without benefits in contract roles. Understanding the local market and negotiating based on industry standards can prove beneficial for new graduates and seasoned therapists alike in Jonesboro, especially in a market where productivity models are increasingly crucial due to reimbursement pressures from insurance companies.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Jonesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Jonesboro?
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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 Jonesboro. 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