Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Covington, KY: $47.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Covington, KY runs $47.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,087 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Covington's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,859 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Covington, Kentucky, physical therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $47.16, slightly lower than the national median of $50.62. This rate reflects the competitive yet varied landscape in which physical therapists operate, encompassing outpatient clinics, rehabilitation units in hospitals, and specialized therapy settings. For those considering part-time work—say, three days a week—this hourly rate can translate into a stable income that supports a work-life balance, particularly appealing for those managing other commitments or pursuing further specialization. Entry-level therapists in the area may start at around $36.07, while experienced professionals can earn up to $58.27 hourly, making the potential for growth within the field quite significant.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.07 | $288.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.48 | $315.82 |
| Median (P50) | $47.16 | $377.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.96 | $431.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.27 | $466.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Covington
Based on $47.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.16/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Covington, KY can expect to earn approximately $98,098 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,595. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Covington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Covington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,886.49 | $8,175 | $98,098 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,131.90 | $4,905 | $58,859 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.60 | $3,270 | $39,239 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Covington) | $47.16 |
| 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 Covington, KY earn a median of $98,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.30% below the Kentucky state average of $99,379.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.16/hr = $58,859/year (purchasing power: $65,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,098/year (purchasing power: $109,852).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Covington grew 14.9% from $40.06/hr (2019) to $46.03/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.32/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 Covington 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 Covington
Looking at the broader implications of income, a part-time physical therapist working 24 hours a week has the potential to earn around $56,778 annually, offering a respectable income without committing to full-time hours. For those opting for per-diem or agency positions, the financial landscape shifts: billing rates can soar between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel contracts typically exceeding $1,800 weekly, benefiting those willing to work on the go. In Covington, the variability in hourly wages often corresponds to employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer less than hospital settings but may compensate with productivity incentives. Furthermore, physical therapists might choose lower hourly rates with benefits over higher ones without healthcare options. Negotiating for fair compensation is crucial, and understanding the local market dynamics can empower physical therapy professionals to secure favorable terms in an evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Covington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Covington in 2026?
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Career Resources
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 Covington. 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 Covington 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