Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $50.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Boulder, CO runs $50.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,963 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $50.45, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This hourly rate can provide a substantial income for both full-time and part-time workers within various healthcare settings, such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For part-time professionals, working three days a week can yield a comfortable lifestyle, especially when considering the hourly rate range which spans from $38.40 for entry-level positions to $82.02 for those at the top of the scale. This data reflects official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, giving a snapshot of earning potential in this dynamic field.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.40 | $307.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.71 | $341.64 |
| Median (P50) | $50.45 | $403.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.68 | $477.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.02 | $656.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $50.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.45/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $104,939 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,542. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,018.05 | $8,745 | $104,939 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,210.83 | $5,247 | $62,963 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $807.22 | $3,498 | $41,975 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Boulder) | $50.45 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $104,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.30% above the Colorado state average of $102,590.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.45/hr = $62,963/year (purchasing power: $59,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,939/year (purchasing power: $99,750).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Boulder grew 14.0% from $43.21/hr (2019) to $49.24/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.69/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Part-time physical therapists in Boulder, working approximately 24 hours per week, can expect to earn around $62,069 annually, allowing for a solid supplemental income yet falling short of full-time compensation. For those seeking flexibility, per diem opportunities are attractive; billing rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can provide weekly earnings from $1,800 to $2,800, depending on the arrangement. Specializing in cash-pay practices, particularly in sports or orthopedic settings, can significantly boost income, with direct-pay rates reaching $150 to $250 per hour in high-cost areas. Various employer types influence hourly wages; while outpatient orthopedic chains may offer lower initial compensation, they might include bonuses linked to productivity. For physical therapists navigating their career in Boulder, weighing the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, such as health insurance, is vital. Practical negotiation strategies may prepare therapists for diverse opportunities, ensuring they can align their pay expectations with market rates effectively.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Boulder. 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