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Healthcare · North Carolina

How to Become a Physical Therapists in North Carolina

Physical Therapists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $99,910/year, which is 3% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a physical therapists takes home approximately $2,776/month. Most positions require Doctoral or professional degree.

$100K
Median salary in North Carolina
-3%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
7,350
Employed in North Carolina

What a physical therapists can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$99,910
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$6,181/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$3,405/mo
Rent as % of take-home55.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$99,910/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,776/mo

Becoming a physical therapists in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Physical Therapists positions in North Carolina typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many physical therapists positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for physical therapistss. Requirements vary by state, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 7,350 physical therapists. The highest concentrations are in Rocky Mount and Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton.

Physical Therapists salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Rocky Mount$103K$49.54/hr80
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$102K$49.01/hr160
Winston-Salem$101K$48.69/hr510
Burlington$101K$48.62/hr100
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$101K$48.59/hr1,680
Durham-Chapel Hill$100K$48.19/hr790
Fayetteville$100K$48.13/hr220
Raleigh-Cary$100K$48.03/hr1,190
Asheville$99K$47.83/hr300
Greensboro-High Point$99K$47.75/hr540
Wilmington$99K$47.49/hr460
Greenville$98K$47.12/hr190
Jacksonville$95K$45.76/hr80
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$94K$45.39/hr100
Goldsboro$89K$42.89/hr50

Physical Therapists salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$78K
25th percentile
$84K
Median (50th)
$100K
75th percentile
$110K
90th percentile (senior)
$126K
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Full physical therapists salary breakdown in North Carolina
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a physical therapists make in North Carolina?

The median physical therapists salary in North Carolina is $99,910 per year ($48.03/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $102,760. Salaries range from $78,020 to $125,940.

What are the requirements to become a physical therapists in North Carolina?

Physical Therapists positions in North Carolina typically require Doctoral or professional degree. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a physical therapists afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $99,910, a physical therapists in North Carolina would take home approximately $6,181/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $3,405/month, that's 55.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for physical therapists in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for physical therapists in North Carolina are Rocky Mount ($103,030), Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton ($101,950), Winston-Salem ($101,270). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for physical therapists?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $99,910 salary, this means roughly $4,496/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.