Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Knoxville, TN: $47.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Knoxville, TN runs $47.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Knoxville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,089 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Knoxville, TN, the current physical therapist hourly pay stands at $47.35, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. For a practitioner working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can still yield a respectable income depending on the chosen setting. Part-time therapists may thrive in a variety of environments, including outpatient clinics, rehab units, and sports centers. The hourly rate in Knoxville ranges from $31.95 for entry-level positions to $61.18 for more experienced professionals. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projected for 2026, not only highlight the local market’s competitive rate but also suggest opportunities for physical therapists to consider per-diem or flexible work arrangements.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.95 | $255.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.42 | $299.35 |
| Median (P50) | $47.35 | $378.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.00 | $400.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.18 | $489.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Knoxville
Based on $47.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.35/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Knoxville, TN can expect to earn approximately $98,481 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,816. With a cost-of-living index of 92.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Knoxville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Knoxville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,893.87 | $8,207 | $98,481 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,136.32 | $4,924 | $59,089 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $757.55 | $3,283 | $39,393 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Knoxville) | $47.35 |
| 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 Knoxville, TN earn a median of $98,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.47% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% below the Tennessee state average of $99,873.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.35/hr = $59,089/year (purchasing power: $63,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,481/year (purchasing power: $106,387).
CoL index: 92.569 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Knoxville grew 14.9% from $40.22/hr (2019) to $46.21/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.51/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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Focusing on the part-time potential, a physical therapist in Knoxville working 24 hours a week can anticipate a supportive income level of approximately $58,756 annually, significantly less than full-time colleagues but still competitive in the local market. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, it is common to see pay rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts bringing in weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800. Interestingly, while outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital systems, they sometimes compensate with productivity bonuses, completing the picture for a well-rounded compensation model. As many physical therapists in Knoxville weigh the benefits of comprehensive health insurance versus higher hourly wages in contracting roles, negotiation strategies can significantly affect take-home pay. It's wise for therapists to be open about their priorities, balancing the need for benefits with the potential earning power available through creative hourly pay arrangements.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Knoxville. 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