Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $49.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Joplin, MO runs $49.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,614 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,569 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $49.33 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62 per hour. This earning potential, particularly in outpatient settings like clinic gyms, hospital rehabilitation units, and sports therapy centers, is advantageous for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions. With an hourly range from $37.48 at the entry-level to $60.66 for the most experienced practitioners, physical therapists have a flexible pathway in terms of their work hours and income. Whether operating in skilled nursing facilities, home health scenarios, school environments, or engaging in specialized sports therapy roles, the BLS data projected for 2026 reflects the varied landscape of employment opportunities across Joplin and its surrounding areas.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.48 | $299.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.47 | $323.77 |
| Median (P50) | $49.33 | $394.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.12 | $424.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.66 | $485.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $49.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.33/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $102,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,201. With a cost-of-living index of 85.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,973.38 | $8,551 | $102,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,184.03 | $5,131 | $61,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.35 | $3,421 | $41,046 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Joplin) | $49.33 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $102,614 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.40% above the Missouri state average of $102,205.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.33/hr = $61,569/year (purchasing power: $71,828).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,616/year (purchasing power: $119,713).
CoL index: 85.718 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Joplin grew 14.0% from $42.22/hr (2019) to $48.15/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.55/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
For those working part-time, such as a physical therapist putting in 24 hours a week (three days), the annual earnings would amount to approximately $61,242, which, while substantial, differs notably from salaries seen in full-time positions. Per diem physical therapist pay in Joplin often ranges between $50 and $75 per hour, making it an attractive option for many. Contracted travel PT positions can command up to $2,800 per week, particularly appealing for those willing to work in higher-cost areas. Hourly rates can vary greatly depending on employer types; outpatient clinics and hospital systems often pay less than private practices that may offer higher flexibility but also vary in the benefits they provide. Physical therapists in Joplin may opt to trade off lower hourly wages for health insurance and retirement plans, leading to considerations around the negotiation process for hourly wages. These factors contribute to the diverse earning scenarios in Joplin, making informed decisions about work arrangements and compensation essential for success.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Joplin. 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