How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make in North Carolina in 2026?

A typical Physical Therapist in North Carolina earns about $48.03 per hour ($99,910 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $8,326 a month and $1,921 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. These numbers describe pay across the full range of settings where Physical Therapists work in the state.

North Carolina pay runs about 3% below the national figure of $102,760 a year, and the state ranks 33rd out of 51 states and the District of Columbia. Lower pay here tends to track a lower cost of living compared with higher-paying states. North Carolina employs 7,350 Physical Therapists, a workforce size that puts the figures above in context.

Entry-level positions in North Carolina typically offer around $37.51 an hour, or about $78,020 a year, for Physical Therapists just starting out. Pay tends to move toward the typical figure of $99,910 within the first several years on the job. Newer therapists often start in settings like outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities before moving into higher-paying roles.

Experienced Physical Therapists in North Carolina often earn upwards of $53.04 to $60.55 an hour, translating to $110,330 to $125,940 a year. The top 10% of earners make over $125,940 a year. That leaves a spread of $47,920 between entry-level and top pay. Setting, years of experience, and the city where a therapist works all play into where someone lands in that range.

North Carolina Physical Therapists have seen pay climb over the past decade, from $80,810 in 2015 to $99,910 in 2025. That's a gain of $19,100, a 24% rise over ten years. The increase wasn't perfectly steady; pay dipped in 2021 before climbing again through 2025.

Nationally, pay rose 22% over the same decade, so North Carolina's climb has kept pace with the country as a whole. Both figures moved in a similar direction, even with the state's dip in 2021. For someone starting a career in the state now, this history shows pay has moved up over time, though it offers no promise of future gains.

Pay runs highest in Rocky Mount, where Physical Therapists typically earn $103,030 a year, about 3% above the state figure. Hickory, Morganton, and Lenoir follow closely at $101,950 a year. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Goldsboro pays the least among North Carolina's metro areas, with Physical Therapists typically earning $89,210 a year. That leaves a city-to-city spread of $13,820 across the state. Charlotte holds the largest Physical Therapist workforce, with 1,680 employed at a typical $101,060 a year. Cities with higher pay often carry a higher cost of living, so the gap doesn't always translate to more spending power.

North Carolina's pay sits a bit below its neighbors. Georgia pays the most nearby, with Physical Therapists typically earning $102,700 a year, about 3% higher than North Carolina. Virginia follows at $101,450 a year, and South Carolina at $101,330 a year, both a few percentage points above the state figure. Tennessee runs closest, at $100,140 a year. Physical therapy licensure can often be transferred or endorsed between neighboring states, which can make comparing offers across state lines worthwhile.

Physical Therapists in North Carolina typically earn $99,910 a year ($48.03 an hour), a figure that has climbed 24% over the past decade. Pay varies by city and experience level, from entry-level positions near $78,020 to top earners above $125,940. Readers considering a move to North Carolina should check the state licensing board for requirements and review city-specific pages on this site for local pay figures.