Asheville vs Wilmington: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Asheville, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,603 | $77,890▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.54 | $37.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,355 | $58,063▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,891 | $66,343▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,465 | $78,075▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,903 | $89,303▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Asheville.
The salary gap between Asheville and Wilmington is $12,287 (18.73%). Wilmington's median is +10.88% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Asheville spans $34,548,Wilmington spans $31,240. Asheville 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, Wilmington ($80,780 effective) pays 18.83% more than Asheville ($67,978 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,890/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,303)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,780)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Asheville grew 7.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$59,170 (2019) → $63,860 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$64,800 (2019) → $75,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Asheville or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Asheville to Wilmington as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Asheville vs Wilmington?
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