Charlotte vs Durham: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,651 | $75,989▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.93 | $36.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,491▲ | $56,738 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,035 | $66,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,129▲ | $79,472 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,523 | $87,803▲ |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Durham is $3,338 (4.59%). Durham's median is +8.17% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $26,032,Durham spans $31,065. Durham 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, Durham ($77,880 effective) pays 4.35% more than Charlotte ($74,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,989/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,803)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,880)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Charlotte grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Durham over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$60,540 (2019) → $70,720 (2025)
Durham, NC
$65,150 (2019) → $73,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Charlotte or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Durham?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Durham as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Charlotte vs Durham?
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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