Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $47.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $47.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists stands at $47.11, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a solid income for those working part-time or in per-diem roles, reflecting the common environments physical therapists engage in, such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health scenarios. For practitioners employed part-time, like those working three days a week, the hourly compensation can vary, with entry-level physical therapists earning around $35.39 and top earners making as much as $62.37. These figures suggest diverse opportunities within the field, indicating that physical therapist hourly pay in Oak Ridge remains competitive, particularly in specialty settings like sports medicine clinics and skilled nursing facilities, where payment structures can differ significantly.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.39 | $283.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.11 | $312.87 |
| Median (P50) | $47.11 | $376.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.53 | $436.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.37 | $498.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $47.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.11/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $97,991 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,533. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,884.44 | $8,166 | $97,991 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,130.67 | $4,900 | $58,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $753.78 | $3,266 | $39,196 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Oak Ridge) | $47.11 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $97,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $99,892.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.11/hr = $58,795/year (purchasing power: $64,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,991/year (purchasing power: $106,744).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Oak Ridge grew 14.9% from $40.02/hr (2019) to $45.98/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.27/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Focusing on earning potential, a physical therapist working part-time, roughly 24 hours per week, in Oak Ridge would see an annual income of approximately $51,154, which is a manageable figure compared to full-time roles. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapists often secure pay rates in the range of $50 to $75 per hour, enabling them to capitalize on flexible work arrangements without the responsibilities tied to full-time employment. Travel PT contracts, typically more lucrative, can offer upwards of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including stipends, making this path appealing for those willing to relocate temporarily. Hourly rates tend to fluctuate among employer types; for example, outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay less than hospital settings but might include performance bonuses that enhance overall compensation. Some therapists may choose jobs offering reduced hourly rates but with benefits such as health insurance, while those prioritizing immediate financial gain might accept higher hourly pay in agency roles. Negotiating one’s salary effectively, especially in Oak Ridge, involves understanding the local job market and the specific needs of different healthcare settings, allowing physical therapists to advocate for their worth confidently.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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