Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in South Burlington, VT: $49.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in South Burlington, VT runs $49.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,187 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against South Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, Vermont, physical therapists can expect a median hourly rate of $49.13, which falls slightly below the national median of $50.62 for the same profession. This hourly wage allows physical therapists in the area to effectively manage their work-life balance, especially for those who opt for part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or prefer on-call or per-diem engagements. The hourly pay range for physical therapists in this region spans from $37.54 for entry-level positions to $62.44 for experienced practitioners, making it a potentially lucrative career in both outpatient clinics and specialized therapeutic settings. The outlined figures derive from annual salary estimates, reflecting the viable earning potential across various environments including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.54 | $300.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.04 | $328.28 |
| Median (P50) | $49.13 | $393.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.43 | $459.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.44 | $499.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Burlington
Based on $49.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.13/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Burlington, VT can expect to earn approximately $102,190 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,955. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,965.18 | $8,516 | $102,190 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,179.11 | $5,109 | $61,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $786.07 | $3,406 | $40,876 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (South Burlington) | $49.13 |
| 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 South Burlington, VT earn a median of $102,187 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.20% below the Vermont state average of $108,942.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.13/hr = $61,314/year (purchasing power: $59,240).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,190/year (purchasing power: $98,734).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in South Burlington grew 14.9% from $41.73/hr (2019) to $47.95/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.34/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 South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Part-time physical therapists working a typical 24-hour week can anticipate bringing home about $62,188 annually, a significant comparison to full-time earnings, which typically hover around $102,187. This structure highlights the financial flexibility available in this field, particularly for those considering per-diem opportunities, where pay rates often range from $50 to $75 per hour. Especially for travel physical therapists, contracts can present enticing weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, inclusive of stipends, while cash-pay specialists in higher cost-of-living markets may command billing rates of $150 to $250 per hour. Pay discrepancies exist between various employer types in South Burlington, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering lower hourly rates compared to hospitals or high-end rehab facilities. Many therapists must balance the choice between securing lower hourly wages accompanied by benefits, such as health insurance, versus higher rates without such advantages. For those entering negotiations, understanding the local market and demonstrating specialization or advanced certifications can significantly influence earning potential.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in South Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in South Burlington?
Are physical therapists in South Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in South Burlington?
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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 South Burlington. 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 South Burlington 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