Physical Therapist Salary in North Carolina
Physical Therapists in North Carolina earn an average of $97,918 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +1.8% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$97,918
per year
Hourly Rate
$47.08
per hour
vs National
-1.8%
$99,710 national
Salary Range
$64,165
to $143,418
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$97,918
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$101,998
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Physical Therapist's salary of $97,918 has the purchasing power of $101,998 in an average-cost area.
Physical Therapist Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $98,710 | $47.46/hr | $64,342 | $140,868 | 217 |
| Charlotte, NC | $97,126 | $46.70/hr | $63,988 | $145,968 | 218 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Physical Therapist Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 435 Physical Therapists employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Physical Therapist Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$64,165
Starting salary for new Physical Therapists
Median (50th Percentile)
$97,918
Mid-career Physical Therapist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$143,418
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Nurse Practitioner
$127,220
avg in NC
+$29,302 vs Physical Therapist
Registered Nurse
$91,454
avg in NC
-$6,464 vs Physical Therapist
Dental Hygienist
$90,194
avg in NC
-$7,724 vs Physical Therapist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$60,392
avg in NC
-$37,526 vs Physical Therapist
Nursing Assistant
$38,744
avg in NC
-$59,174 vs Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Physical Therapist salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Physical Therapist Data
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in North Carolina?
The average Physical Therapist salary in North Carolina is $97,918 per year ($47.08/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 1.8% below the national average of $99,710.
What is the highest paying city for Physical Therapists in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Physical Therapists in North Carolina, with a median salary of $98,710 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $97,126.
What is the salary range for Physical Therapists in North Carolina?
Physical Therapist salaries in North Carolina range from $64,165 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $143,418 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $97,918 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.