Physical Therapist Salaries in North Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a physical therapist make in North Carolina? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $96,670/yr ($46.47/hr), with around 7,350 people working in this field statewide.
Physical Therapist salaries in North Carolina are below the national average by approximately $3,196. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
North Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for physical therapists.
North Carolina Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — North Carolina Physical Therapist Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Carolina median of $96,670.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — North Carolina
Physical Therapist Salary Trend in North Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for physical therapists in North Carolina: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Carolina's healthcare and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist Salary by City — North Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $107,300 | $51.59 | +11.0% | 2,572 |
| Raleigh | $102,450 | $49.25 | +6.0% | 2,058 |
| Greensboro | $99,550 | $47.86 | +3.0% | 1,323 |
| Durham | $92,800 | $44.62 | -4.0% | 661 |
| Winston-Salem | $87,950 | $42.28 | -9.0% | 441 |
| Fayetteville | $84,100 | $40.43 | -13.0% | 294 |
Tip: Charlotte offers the highest physical therapist salaries in North Carolina at $107,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
North Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Carolina sits in the mid-range for physical therapists.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook in North Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for physical therapists in North Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Carolina job market. North Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for physical therapists.
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in North Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in North Carolina typically adds $79,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Charlotte pays physical therapists $107,300/yr — +11.0% above the North Carolina average. Simply relocating within North Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in North Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Virginia pays physical therapists $100,710/yr — 4.2% vs North Carolina.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in North Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current physical therapist job vacancies in North Carolina:
🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in North Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in North Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs — Charlotte, NC→