Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Middletown, DE: $47.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Middletown, DE runs $47.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,934 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,357 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, Delaware, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $47.56, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62 per hour. This rate offers competitive options for part-time professionals and per-diem therapists who often work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or home health settings. For those working three days a week, opportunities exist to earn a living that aligns with personal lifestyle preferences, especially with the hourly range reaching from $37.34 for entry-level positions to $58.46 for experienced specialists. The varied environments, such as sports medicine clinics and skilled nursing facilities, reflect the diverse applications of physical therapy, providing ample opportunities for both full-time and part-time therapists to establish satisfying careers.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.34 | $298.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.30 | $322.38 |
| Median (P50) | $47.56 | $380.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.38 | $435.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.46 | $467.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $47.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.56/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, DE can expect to earn approximately $98,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,074. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,902.48 | $8,244 | $98,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,141.49 | $4,946 | $59,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.99 | $3,298 | $39,572 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Middletown) | $47.56 |
| 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 Middletown, DE earn a median of $98,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $107,072.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.56/hr = $59,357/year (purchasing power: $58,365).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,929/year (purchasing power: $97,275).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Middletown grew 14.9% from $40.40/hr (2019) to $46.42/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.73/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Looking deeper into the earning landscape, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week in Middletown could expect to net around $59,797 annually, compared to full-timers earning higher sums that come with added responsibilities. For those considering per diem physical therapist pay in Middletown, billing rates can offer even greater financial flexibility, with many per-diem PTs charging between $50 and $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts yield lucrative opportunities, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, which includes enticing benefits such as housing and travel stipends. The compensation dynamics across various employer types—ranging from outpatient orthopedic chains like Athletico to pediatric clinics—also reflect the competitive nature of the field. Some physical therapists may opt for positions that pay less per hour but include crucial benefits like health insurance, while others chase higher hourly wages while juggling the uncertainty of contract work. For professionals in Middletown, understanding these nuanced trade-offs is vital for navigating career choices and negotiating favorable working conditions.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Middletown?
Are physical therapists in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Middletown?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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