Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Auburn, ME: $48.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Auburn, ME runs $48.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,419 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Maine, the projected median physical therapist hourly pay stands at $48.41, which positions it slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate is a crucial benchmark for part-time and per-diem physical therapists who often work in outpatient clinics, hospital rehab settings, skilled nursing facilities, and even in patients' homes. For those considering part-time work at around three days a week, earnings can range from approximately $36.71 to $57.99 per hour, making it a viable option for those seeking work-life balance while contributing to healthcare. The hourly figures indicate a healthy market for physical therapists in Auburn, with entry-level positions starting around $36.71 and the most experienced professionals capable of earning up to $57.99 per hour.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.71 | $293.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.10 | $344.84 |
| Median (P50) | $48.41 | $387.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.51 | $436.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.99 | $463.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $48.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.41/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, ME can expect to earn approximately $100,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,095. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,936.49 | $8,391 | $100,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.90 | $5,035 | $60,419 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.60 | $3,357 | $40,279 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Auburn) | $48.41 |
| 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 Auburn, ME earn a median of $100,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.00% below the Maine state average of $104,885.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.41/hr = $60,419/year (purchasing power: $60,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,698/year (purchasing power: $101,102).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Auburn grew 14.9% from $41.13/hr (2019) to $47.25/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.60/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
For physical therapists working part-time in Auburn, a schedule of 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of roughly $60,000, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still competitive given the flexibility it provides. Per-diem physical therapists often enjoy flexibility in their roles, with compensation typically billed between $50-$75 per hour when working with various agencies. Those engaged in travel contracts can expect higher weekly earnings of $1,800-$2,800, which includes stipends to adjust for living costs. The variety of employer types in Auburn—ranging from outpatient orthopedic clinics to skilled nursing and sports medicine facilities—also impacts hourly pay rates, as hospital systems tend to offer benefits alongside slightly lower hourly rates compared to private practices that may pay more due to productivity models. As physical therapists weigh their compensation options, negotiation plays a vital role, particularly for those leaning towards per diem work who may prioritize a higher hourly rate over comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Auburn?
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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