Burlington vs Raleigh: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Burlington, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,085▲ | $69,743 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.54▲ | $33.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,772▲ | $61,700 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,374 | $65,932▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,920▲ | $81,434 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,095 | $89,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Burlington and Raleigh are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Burlington and Raleigh is $8,342 (11.96%). Burlington's median is +11.16% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $22,323,Raleigh spans $27,624. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($83,786 effective) pays 17.92% 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 Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,085/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,786)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓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 Burlington grew 26.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$59,930 (2021) → $76,010 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$54,700 (2019) → $67,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Burlington or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Raleigh as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Burlington vs Raleigh?
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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