Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $41.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Helena, MT runs $41.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,466 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,877 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Helena, Montana, physical therapists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $41.57 in 2026, which falls significantly short of the national median of $50.62. This disparity in hourly rate may influence both part-time and per-diem physical therapists, who often work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, and sports performance centers. For therapists working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly wage translates to a steady income, though it may not provide the same financial foundation as a full-time position. The hourly rate for physical therapists in Helena ranges from $38.74 for entry-level positions up to $53.26 for more experienced professionals, underscoring the potential for earning based on one’s expertise and the specific demands of their workplace.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.74 | $309.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.96 | $319.68 |
| Median (P50) | $41.57 | $332.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.85 | $374.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.26 | $426.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $41.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.57/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $86,461 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,882. With a cost-of-living index of 95.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,662.72 | $7,205 | $86,461 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $997.63 | $4,323 | $51,877 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $665.09 | $2,882 | $34,585 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Helena) | $41.57 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $86,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.88% lower than the national median of $105,288.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.57/hr = $51,877/year (purchasing power: $54,222).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,461/year (purchasing power: $90,370).
CoL index: 95.675 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Helena grew 14.9% from $35.31/hr (2019) to $40.57/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.59/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 Helena 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 Helena
Part-time physical therapists in Helena can anticipate earning a comfortable salary while working less than full-time hours; however, the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits are notable. Those who work per diem may find their opportunities lucrative, with rates commonly ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. In some cases, travel PT contracts can yield substantial earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including travel stipends. It's essential to recognize that hourly pay can vary widely based on the type of employer, such as private outpatient orthopedic clinics versus hospital rehab facilities. Many professionals might choose lower pay for more comprehensive benefits, including health insurance. For physical therapists negotiating their hourly rate in Helena, understanding these dynamics can be critical. Knowing the variation in rates across different work environments can equip them to advocate effectively for their worth in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Helena?
Are physical therapists in Helena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Helena?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?
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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 Helena. 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, 2-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