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Quick view | Salary statistics | Factors affecting salaries in NC | Education | Cost of living | Professional groups for PTs in NC

Duke University Health System, Durham, Morrisville, Raleigh and other locations, NC.

Known for its extensive network of hospitals and clinics, Duke University Health System offers a wide range of opportunities for physical therapists in various settings, including acute care, outpatient therapy and specialized rehabilitation services.

UNC Health Care, Chapel Hill and multiple locations, NC.

The University of North Carolina Health Care system is another major employer for physical therapists, providing a range of services in different locations throughout the state. It includes the UNC Hospitals, which is a large teaching hospital offering diverse career opportunities.

Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC.

Based in Charlotte, Atrium Health is a comprehensive healthcare system with multiple hospitals and clinics across the state. Physical therapists at Atrium Health can work in various environments, from acute care to outpatient settings.

Novant Health, Charlotte, Greensboro area, NC.

This integrated healthcare system operates in South Carolina as well as North Carolina. Novant Health offers physical therapy services in hospitals and outpatient clinics, providing opportunities for physical therapists to work in different areas.

Carolinas Rehabilitation, Charlotte and multiple locations, NC.

As part of Atrium Health, Carolinas Rehabilitation specializes in rehabilitation services, making it an excellent employer for physical therapists interested in inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and specialized services for specific patient populations.

Median physical therapist salary in NC

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physical therapists in North Carolina is around $94,830.

Compare NC’s median annual PT salary with the median national salary for physical therapists—which is is $99,710 a year—and you can see North Carolina is around $5,000 less than the national average. This may be offset by the fact that North Carolina’s cost of living is lower than the national average.

Salary ranges for physical therapists in North Carolina

The salary range for PT professionals, including physical therapy assistants, in North Carolina looks something like this:

Physical Therapists: The average annual salary typically ranges from about $72,560 to $118,320. Entry-level physical therapists can expect salaries at the lower end of this range, while those with more experience or specialized skills may earn higher salaries.

Physical Therapist Assistants: The average annual salary for PTAs in North Carolina typically ranges from about $50,500 to $80,840. As with physical therapists, more experienced PTAs or those with specialized skills tend to earn more.

These are general estimates from the BLS, and actual salaries can vary based on the factors mentioned above. Additionally, benefits, bonuses and other compensation elements can influence the overall package. It’s also worth noting that the cost of living in various parts of North Carolina can impact salary expectations.

Pay by metro area within North Carolina

Few metro areas have a median salary above the national median for PTs in North Carolina. Only Winston-Salem is above the national median at $100,880. Other metro areas close to the national median are Piedmont and Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton. North Carolina has no metro areas in the BLS’ top 10 areas for highest pay, or for highest employment of PTs in the country. Here are the top 10 spots for highest median salary by metro area according to the BLS:

And here are the top 10 highest employment metro areas for PTs in the U.S. as cited by the BLS:

Salary growth and job outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for physical therapists nationwide, with estimates suggesting a growth rate significantly above the average for all occupations. While this is a national trend, North Carolina, with its expanding healthcare infrastructure and diverse job opportunities, aligns with these projections.

Overall, physical therapists in North Carolina can expect a favorable job market with steady growth and competitive salaries, especially for those with experience or specialized skills. If you’re considering a career in physical therapy in North Carolina, the future looks optimistic, with opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Besides, sports therapy and neurology, PTs in NC can anticipate growth in these field specialty areas:

• Cardiopulmonary PT: PTs in this specialty work with patients recovering from heart or lung conditions, such as after cardiac surgery or for chronic respiratory conditions. The increasing incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as a focus on rehabilitation, is likely to drive demand in this area.
• Orthopedic PT: Orthopedic PTs work with patients recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, surgeries or chronic conditions like arthritis. As sports participation and activity levels remain high, and as more people undergo joint replacements or other orthopedic surgeries, the demand for orthopedic PTs is likely to grow.
• Pediatric PT: Pediatric PTs focus on children with developmental delays, congenital conditions or injuries. With continued emphasis on early intervention and school-based therapy programs, this specialty is expected to contribute to job growth.

The BLS projects the following growth for the general field of physical therapy:

Experience and education:

More experienced physical therapists generally earn higher salaries. Additional certifications and specializations can also lead to higher compensation.

Location:

Urban areas often offer higher salaries compared to rural areas due to cost-of-living differences and market demand for healthcare professionals.

Employer type:

Physical therapists working in hospitals or large healthcare systems might earn more than those in smaller clinics or private practices. Similarly, specialized rehabilitation centers may offer higher salaries for therapists with specific expertise.tures.

Industry setting:

Acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, schools and home health services may have different pay scales.

How do I know if I am being paid fairly in NC?

Ensuring that you’re being paid fairly is essential for your professional and financial well-being. In North Carolina, there are several ways to gauge whether your compensation aligns with industry standards and to seek assistance if you believe you’re being underpaid. Here’s how to determine if you’re being compensated fairly, and the government resources available in North Carolina:

• Research comparable salaries:Utilize online resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, Payscale or Indeed to research the average salaries for your position in North Carolina. Compare your salary, taking into account factors such as your level of experience, education and the specific industry or sector you work in.
• Consult professional associations:The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has resources regarding education and salary surveys to help you get a real-world view of what other PTs in the field earn in similar circ*mstances.
• Use state government resources:North Carolina’sDepartment of Laborprovides resources and guidance on wage and hour laws, including minimum wage requirements, overtime pay and employee rights.
• If employer talks don’t resolve issues, seek legal assistance:If discussions with HR or your supervisor don’t bring results, you may consider consulting with an employment lawyer who specializes in wage and hour laws. They can provide legal advice and representation to help you address any issues related to your compensation.
• Utilize the employee rights hotline:North Carolina has an employee rights hotline operated by the Department of Labor where workers can report wage violations, seek assistance with wage disputes and obtain information about their rights under state labor laws. The hotline provides a confidential platform for employees to voice their concerns and seek assistance.
• As a last resort, consider wage complaints and hearings:If you believe your employer is not paying you fairly, you have the right tofile a wage complaintwith the North Carolina Department of Labor. They will investigate your claim and take appropriate action if your employer is found to be in violation of state wage laws.

Earn a bachelor’s degree:

The first step toward becoming a physical therapist is to earn a bachelor’s degree. While this degree does not have to be in physical therapy, it should include prerequisites for physical therapy school. Common majors include biology, kinesiology, exercise science or related fields. Ensure you take prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and psychology.

Complete a DPT program:

After completing a bachelor’s degree, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. DPT programs typically last three years and combine classroom instruction with clinical experience. In North Carolina, you can pursue a DPT degree at universities like Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and East Carolina University, among others.

Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE):

To practice as a physical therapist in North Carolina, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This is a national requirement, and passing the NPTE is a key step in obtaining your license.

Get licensed:

After passing the NPTE, you must apply for licensure through the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (NCBPTE). The licensure process typically includes submitting an application, providing proof of education, passing the NPTE and meeting other state-specific requirements such as a background check. North Carolina does not have unique licensure requirements compared to other states.

Complete ongoing continuing education requirements:

To maintain your license in North Carolina, you must complete continuing education requirements set by the NCBPTE. This typically involves earning a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) over a defined period (such as every two years). These CEUs help ensure that physical therapists stay updated on current practices and trends.

North Carolina professional groups for PTs

Here are some professional associations that physical therapists may join or access in North Carolina. Groups can offer support, resources, networking, licensing and continuing education opportunities for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.