Physical Therapist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 7K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$99,910
$48.03/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
-1.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $126K
7K employed in North Carolina
Exploring the Physical Therapist salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual earning of $99,910. This figure places North Carolina's physical therapy compensation slightly below the national average, by approximately 2%. Currently, around 7,350 professionals are employed in this vital field across the state, indicating a stable and significant presence for physical therapists in North Carolina's healthcare landscape.
Several factors can influence the specific Physical Therapist salary in North Carolina. Experience levels, with more seasoned professionals typically commanding higher salaries, play a crucial role. Additionally, the specific geographic location within North Carolina, the type of healthcare facility (e.g., hospital, private practice, skilled nursing facility), and any specialized certifications or advanced degrees held by the therapist can all contribute to variations within the reported salary range of $78,020 to $125,940 annually.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,020 |
| 25th percentile | $84,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,910 |
| 75th percentile | $110,330 |
| 90th percentile | $125,940 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physical Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physical Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physical Therapists in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $120,530 | 30 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | 60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | 249K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,300 |
| 2023 | $94,830 |
| 2024 | $96,670 |
| 2025 | $99,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,259 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,300 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $94,830 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $96,670 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $99,910 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,259 | $105,024 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $110,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $125,940 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Physical Therapist ($99,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +298.8% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +239.7% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +190.0% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +124.8% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +115.6% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +115.4% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +107.2% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +83.7% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +69.0% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +61.7% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +39.0% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +34.7% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Physical Therapist in North Carolina is $99,910 per year, which breaks down to about $48 per hour. The salary range for this profession in the state is between $78,020 and $125,940 annually.
What is the salary range for Physical Therapists in North Carolina?
- Physical Therapists in North Carolina can expect to earn within a range of $78,020 to $125,940 per year. The median annual income for the profession is $99,910.
Is a Physical Therapist salary in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Physical Therapist salaries in North Carolina are slightly lower than the national average, by about 1.7%. The median salary in North Carolina is $99,910 per year compared to the national median.
How many Physical Therapists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 7,350 Physical Therapists employed in North Carolina. This indicates a substantial presence of the profession within the state.