Apex vs Raleigh: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Apex, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,874 | $69,743▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.15 | $33.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,077 | $61,700▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,085 | $65,932▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,660 | $81,434▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,901 | $89,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apex.
The salary gap between Apex and Raleigh is $2,869 (4.29%). Raleigh's median is -0.72% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $38,824,Raleigh spans $27,624. Apex has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Apex ($71,447 effective) pays 0.55% more than Raleigh ($71,052 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,447)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,743/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,324)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Apex grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Apex, NC
$62,193 (2024) → $65,097 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$54,700 (2019) → $67,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Apex or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apex and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Apex to Raleigh as a physical therapist assistant?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov