Physical Therapist Pay

Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $47.79 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Billings, MT runs $47.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,407 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,639 per year.

$99,407
Median Annual Salary
$47.79/hr
Hourly Rate
$82,480
Entry Level (P10)
$125,350
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Physical Therapist Hourly Rate in Billings, MT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Billings, MT physical therapist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Billings, Montana, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $47.79 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a solid income for both full-time and part-time therapists, particularly for those working in outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this translates into approximately $54,000 annually, allowing for flexibility in personal schedules. The hourly pay also varies considerably; entry-level positions start at around $39.65, while experienced therapists can earn up to $60.27 hourly, highlighting a significant earning potential within the field.

Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$39.65$317.22
Lower Range (P25)$40.42$323.36
Median (P50)$47.79$382.30
Upper Range (P75)$53.05$424.43
Top Earners (P90)$60.27$482.14

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings

Based on $47.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a physical therapist in Billings earning $47.79/hr would make approximately $57,345 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $99,398 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$57,345Reduced (32 hr/wk)$76,460Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$99,398

At $47.79/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $99,398 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,345. With a cost-of-living index of 93.53 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$382.30
per 8hr shift
$1,911.49
per week
$8,283
per month
$99,398
per year

Schedule Comparison in Billings

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,911.49$8,283$99,398
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,146.90$4,970$59,639
Per Diem (16 hrs)$764.60$3,313$39,759

Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Physical Therapist (Billings)$47.79
Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg)$31.26
Occupational Therapist (National Avg)$47.00
Chiropractor (National Avg)$36.85
Exercise Physiologist (National Avg)$26.75
Horizontal bar chart comparing physical therapist median salary in Billings ($99,407) with Montana average ($86,441) and the US national median ($105,288).Billings$99,407Montana Avg$86,441+15.00%US National$105,288-5.59%

Physical Therapists in Billings, MT earn a median of $99,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.59% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 15.00% above the Montana state average of $86,441.

Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $47.79/hr = $59,639/year (purchasing power: $63,767).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,398/year (purchasing power: $106,278).

CoL index: 93.526 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$41.80/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$46.64/hr

2026 Current Est.

$47.79/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+17.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Billings (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for physical therapists in Billings. Baseline $41.80/hr in 2025, projected to $48.96/hr by 2027.$38$41$44$48$512019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.80$43.76$39.46$42.50$44.46$47.96$46.64$47.79$48.96
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$41.80/hrActual
2020$43.76/hrActual
2021$39.46/hrActual
2022$42.50/hrActual
2023$44.46/hrActual
2024$47.96/hrActual
2025$46.64/hrActual
2026(current)$47.79/hrEstimated
2027$48.96/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Billings grew 11.6% from $41.80/hr (2019) to $46.64/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.96/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Billings

Considering the dynamics of per diem physical therapist pay in Billings, there are varied earning strategies for professionals in the area. Part-time workers, for instance, may find stable opportunities with a modest income compared to full-time positions. However, per diem therapists often bill between $50 to $75 an hour, with travel contracts offering between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, depending on specific arrangements and stipends. Different employers, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, contribute to varying earnings based on the setting's reimbursement structure. While outpatient chains like Athletico may offer lower hourly rates due to corporate consolidation, these positions often come with productivity bonuses. For those considering cash-pay models, especially in cash-rich markets, the potential to charge $150 to $250 an hour can significantly elevate income, albeit with less job security. Negotiating hourly rates based on work benefits is fundamental, as some may prefer a lower rate with health coverage compared to a higher pay rate without benefits, complicating choices for physical therapists seeking to maximize both earnings and job satisfaction in Billings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Billings in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for physical therapists in Billings is $47.79/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.46% annual growth). Rates range from $39.65 at entry level (10th percentile) to $60.27 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 5.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time physical therapists make in Billings?

A part-time physical therapist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Billings earns approximately $4,970/month, or $59,639/year at the median hourly rate of $47.79. Many physical therapists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are physical therapists in Billings paid hourly or salary?

The majority of physical therapists in Billings are paid hourly at a median rate of $47.79/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $99,398/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Billings?

A full-time physical therapist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Billings earns approximately $99,398/year at the median hourly rate of $47.79. This is 5.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $125,355/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Billings?

Part-time and per diem physical therapists in Billings sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $60.27/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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AM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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 Billings. 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

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