Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Dundalk, MD: $53.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Dundalk, MD runs $53.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,154 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Dundalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,697 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dundalk, Maryland, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $53.44, which is notably higher than the national median of $50.62. This advantageous rate can be particularly appealing for part-time practitioners working three days a week or for per-diem professionals who thrive in various treatment settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health scenarios. With an hourly range spanning from $40.37 at entry-level positions to $69.10 for the most experienced therapists, the versatility in earning potential allows physical therapists in Dundalk to tailor their work schedules to fit personal and financial goals. These figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, providing a contextual understanding of what therapists can expect to earn on an hourly basis.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.37 | $322.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.59 | $356.72 |
| Median (P50) | $53.44 | $427.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.71 | $509.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.10 | $552.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dundalk
Based on $53.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.44/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dundalk, MD can expect to earn approximately $111,162 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,132. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dundalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dundalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,137.73 | $9,263 | $111,162 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,282.64 | $5,558 | $66,697 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $855.09 | $3,705 | $44,465 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Dundalk) | $53.44 |
| 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 Dundalk, MD earn a median of $111,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $115,066.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.44/hr = $66,697/year (purchasing power: $61,022).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,162/year (purchasing power: $101,703).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Dundalk grew 14.9% from $45.40/hr (2019) to $52.16/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.76/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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
Part-time physical therapists in Dundalk can earn a solid income working just 24 hours a week. Based on a 2026 estimate, a part-time therapist could take home close to $60,000 annually, which is competitive for a professional who has a more flexible work-life balance. For those interested in per-diem roles, the reality includes billing an average of $50-$75 per hour, with travel contracts often offering enticing weekly packages between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends. However, the variability in hourly rates across different employer types may be significant; outpatient clinics might offer lower hourly wages compared to hospitals, but the latter often comes with better benefits. Therapists may need to weigh these trade-offs carefully. When negotiating hourly rates, focusing on the added value of experience, specialization, and patient engagement can lead to advantageous terms in Dundalk's competitive market.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Dundalk in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Dundalk?
Are physical therapists in Dundalk paid hourly or salary?
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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 Dundalk. 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 Dundalk 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