Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Reading, PA: $50.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Reading, PA runs $50.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,483 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Reading's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,283 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reading, Pennsylvania, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $50.71, slightly exceeding the national hourly median of $50.62. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time physical therapists and those working on a per-diеm basis. For therapists in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital rehab units, this translates to a viable income stream. With an hourly range stretching from $38.22 at the lower end to $62.98 for the top earners, the opportunities vary greatly depending on experience and specific practice settings. According to figures from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, the hourly compensation landscape is favorable in Reading, with potential earnings allowing for flexibility in work schedules, making it an appealing choice for many in the profession.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.22 | $305.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.12 | $320.99 |
| Median (P50) | $50.71 | $405.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.38 | $435.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.98 | $503.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reading
Based on $50.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.71/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reading, PA can expect to earn approximately $105,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,849. With a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Reading.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reading
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,028.30 | $8,789 | $105,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,216.98 | $5,274 | $63,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.32 | $3,516 | $42,189 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Reading) | $50.71 |
| 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 Reading, PA earn a median of $105,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.19% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.80% above the Pennsylvania state average of $103,617.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.71/hr = $63,283/year (purchasing power: $65,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,472/year (purchasing power: $108,666).
CoL index: 97.06 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Reading grew 10.7% from $44.71/hr (2019) to $49.49/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.95/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 Reading 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 Reading
When considering part-time work, a physical therapist in Reading who treats patients for three days each week could potentially take home around $63,024 annually. For those inclined toward per-diem or agency roles, rates often vary widely. Many per-diem physical therapists bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contracts generally range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. As the market shifts towards cash-pay models, some specialists in high-cost-of-living areas charge between $150 and $250 per hour directly. The local employment environment also reveals disparities; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital systems, which typically compensate more robustly. Therapists often have to weigh the benefits of stable employment with health insurance against the higher hourly wages possible through contract work devoid of benefits. Those negotiating their pay should be informed about the average rates and communicate their specialized skills and experiences effectively.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Reading in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Reading?
Are physical therapists in Reading paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Reading?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Reading?
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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 Reading. 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