Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Newark, DE: $51.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Newark, DE runs $51.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,833 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, Delaware, a physical therapist earns a median hourly rate of $51.15, slightly surpassing the national median of $50.62. This figure is particularly beneficial for part-time professionals working three days a week or as per-diem therapists, who often find themselves in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or home health visits. The hourly pay range for physical therapists in Newark varies significantly, from $39.71 for entry-level positions to $64.02 for top earners. These rates represent a broad spectrum of earnings, illustrating the potential for physical therapists to balance their schedules while still earning competitive wages in various therapeutic environments.
About the Newark 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) | $39.71 | $317.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.25 | $345.99 |
| Median (P50) | $51.15 | $409.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.87 | $470.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.02 | $512.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $51.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.15/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, DE can expect to earn approximately $106,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,378. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,045.92 | $8,866 | $106,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,227.55 | $5,319 | $63,833 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.37 | $3,546 | $42,555 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Newark) | $51.15 |
| 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 Newark, DE earn a median of $106,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.60% below the Delaware state average of $107,029.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.15/hr = $63,833/year (purchasing power: $62,766).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,388/year (purchasing power: $104,610).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Newark grew 14.9% from $43.45/hr (2019) to $49.92/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.41/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 Newark 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 Newark
When considering part-time employment, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week in Newark could still make a substantial income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem physical therapist pay in Newark varies considerably, with rates generally between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contract positions frequently offer between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, inclusive of stipends. It's essential to understand that hourly rates can fluctuate significantly across different employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and home health services. Some therapists may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly rates can be strategic; being aware of the prevailing market rates and having a background in productivity models can empower physical therapists in Newark to advocate effectively for their compensation. In a field increasingly divided by reimbursement structures, understanding the nuances of hourly pay is crucial for successfully navigating career choices.
More salary data for Newark, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Newark?
Are physical therapists in Newark paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Newark?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Newark?
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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 Newark. 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 Newark 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