Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $47.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lexington, SC runs $47.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,807 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Lexington, SC, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $47.12, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This figure reflects the financial landscape of the profession within the region and provides insight into the earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers. For example, a part-time physical therapist working three days a week could feasibly earn around $30,000 annually while keeping flexible hours. The hourly pay ranges from $35.99 for entry-level positions to $57.06 for experienced top earners, catering to various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital inpatient rehab units, and home health visits.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.99 | $287.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.34 | $314.76 |
| Median (P50) | $47.12 | $376.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.33 | $426.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.06 | $456.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $47.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.12/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $98,012 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,546. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,884.85 | $8,168 | $98,012 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,130.91 | $4,901 | $58,807 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $753.94 | $3,267 | $39,205 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lexington) | $47.12 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $98,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $103,727.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.12/hr = $58,807/year (purchasing power: $64,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,012/year (purchasing power: $107,117).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lexington grew 14.9% from $40.03/hr (2019) to $45.99/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.28/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Focusing on the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week can bring home around $36,932 annually, compared to a full-time colleague. Per diem physical therapists in Lexington often command higher rates, with common billing figures around $50 to $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts can net weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800. Recognizing the differences among employer types is crucial; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates than hospital rehab settings, requiring therapists to weigh benefits against pay. Therefore, some opt for positions with health insurance, trading off slightly lower wages for job security and additional perks. When negotiating, it's beneficial to highlight unique skills or specialized certifications, making a case for competitive rates that can adjust based on the local cost of living and specific employer needs.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lexington?
Are physical therapists in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Lexington?
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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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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