Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Westerly, RI: $47.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Westerly, RI runs $47.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,818 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Westerly's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,293 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist hourly pay in Westerly, RI is projected to be $47.51, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62. This rate provides insight into the earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers, who often gravitate toward settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and skilled nursing facilities. For therapists working three days a week, the hourly rate can translate into solid earnings while maintaining a more flexible work schedule. The hourly range for physical therapists in Westerly spans from $39.57 for entry-level positions to $59.20 for top earners, making the field appealing for various levels of experience. It is essential to note that these hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salary data, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in rehabilitation environments across the region.
About the Westerly 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) | $39.57 | $316.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.94 | $335.50 |
| Median (P50) | $47.51 | $380.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.16 | $425.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.20 | $473.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerly
Based on $47.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.51/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerly, RI can expect to earn approximately $98,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,013. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westerly.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerly
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,900.43 | $8,235 | $98,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,140.26 | $4,941 | $59,293 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.17 | $3,294 | $39,529 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Westerly) | $47.51 |
| 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 Westerly, RI earn a median of $98,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $105,800.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.51/hr = $59,293/year (purchasing power: $58,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,822/year (purchasing power: $98,331).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Westerly grew 14.9% from $40.36/hr (2019) to $46.37/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.68/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 Westerly 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 Westerly
Shifting the focus to the earning potential for a three-day workweek, a physical therapist working 24 hours would earn around $59,370 annually, compared to the higher earnings of full-time practitioners. Many physical therapists in Westerly may also seek per diem or contract work, which typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour; travel PT contracts can offer compensation of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, not including stipends. The hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type — outpatient orthopedic clinics often pay less than hospital systems, yet may offer productivity bonuses. Some therapists may choose to accept lower hourly rates at establishments that provide health insurance benefits versus going for higher hourly rates without any offerings. Practical negotiation tips for hourly workers in Westerly include emphasizing flexibility and highlighting specialized skills, particularly in high-demand areas such as sports medicine or pediatric therapy.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Westerly in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Westerly?
Are physical therapists in Westerly paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Westerly?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Westerly?
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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 Westerly. 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 Westerly 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