Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Baltimore, MD: $52.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Baltimore, MD runs $52.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,413 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Baltimore's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,048 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Baltimore, Maryland, the average physical therapist hourly pay stands at $52.12, slightly above the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem positions, typically seen in various therapeutic environments like outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home healthcare settings. For physical therapists working three days a week, this hourly wage can ensure a flexible work-life balance while maintaining substantial earnings. Additionally, the hourly pay range in the city extends from $38.68 for entry-level practitioners to $68.29 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the diverse levels of experience and specialization within the Baltimore area. The salary statistics come from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, expected for the year 2026.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.68 | $309.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.68 | $373.45 |
| Median (P50) | $52.12 | $416.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.79 | $486.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.29 | $546.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baltimore
Based on $52.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.12/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baltimore, MD can expect to earn approximately $108,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,546. With a cost-of-living index of 104.49 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Baltimore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baltimore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,084.86 | $9,034 | $108,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,250.91 | $5,421 | $65,048 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $833.94 | $3,614 | $43,365 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Baltimore) | $52.12 |
| 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 Baltimore, MD earn a median of $108,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.97% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 5.80% below the Maryland state average of $115,088.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.12/hr = $65,048/year (purchasing power: $62,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,413/year (purchasing power: $103,757).
CoL index: 104.487 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Baltimore grew 13.2% from $44.92/hr (2019) to $50.87/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.40/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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore
Analyzing the financial landscape for physical therapists in Baltimore reveals nuanced earning potential. A part-time therapist working 24 hours weekly could take home approximately $64,000 annually, offering a substantial income without the demands of full-time commitment. For those considering per diem roles, rates typically fluctuate between $50 and $75 per hour, and specialized travel contracts can yield weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800—often supplemented with stipends. The differences in hourly rates across various employment settings are also noteworthy; outpatient orthopedic clinics, while frequently offering lower pay, may provide productivity bonuses that can enhance earnings. Conversely, positions in skilled nursing facilities or home health may compensate at a lower base but often include essential benefits like health insurance. As physical therapists navigate salary negotiations, understanding the specific advantages each employment type offers can prove crucial in making an informed decision regarding hourly pay in Baltimore.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Baltimore in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Baltimore?
Are physical therapists in Baltimore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Baltimore?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Baltimore?
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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 Baltimore. 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