Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Central Falls, RI: $46.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Central Falls, RI runs $46.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,631 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Central Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central Falls, Rhode Island, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $46.94, which falls below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate translates into significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, commonly found in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports medicine centers. For those working three days a week, the hourly component allows flexibility in their schedules while still providing a substantial income. The range of hourly wages varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at around $38.19, while top earners can make up to $57.57 per hour, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within this profession.
About the Central Falls Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.19 | $305.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.74 | $325.90 |
| Median (P50) | $46.94 | $375.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.58 | $428.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.57 | $460.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central Falls
Based on $46.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.94/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central Falls, RI can expect to earn approximately $97,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,324. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Central Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,877.48 | $8,136 | $97,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,126.49 | $4,881 | $58,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $750.99 | $3,254 | $39,052 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Central Falls) | $46.94 |
| 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 Central Falls, RI earn a median of $97,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.70% below the Rhode Island state average of $105,776.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.94/hr = $58,577/year (purchasing power: $58,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,629/year (purchasing power: $97,143).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Central Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Central Falls grew 14.9% from $39.87/hr (2019) to $45.81/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.09/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 Central Falls 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 Central Falls
The earning potential for a part-time physical therapist working 24 hours a week can provide a respectable yearly income, but it's often less than that of full-time colleagues. For per-diem physical therapists in Central Falls, hourly pay may escalate depending on the setting and demand, with rates typically between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel positions, which are increasingly popular, can yield weekly earnings in the range of $1,800 to $2,800, including potential stipends for housing and meals. Compensation further varies based on the employer type; outpatient clinics, hospital systems, and skilled nursing facilities often have different pay scales and benefits packages, influencing decisions regarding hourly wages versus job security. Many therapists in Central Falls weigh the trade-off of accepting lower hourly pay for the security of benefits from larger employers against the higher rates available in cash-pay sports or orthopedic specialties where billing can reach $150 to $250 per hour. For those negotiating pay, emphasizing specialized skills, productivity records, and the importance of patient outcomes can serve as effective strategies to secure better compensation.
More salary data for Central Falls, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Central Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Central Falls?
Are physical therapists in Central Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Central Falls?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Central Falls?
Related Pages
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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 Central Falls. 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 Central Falls 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