Raleigh vs Sanford: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Raleigh, NC and Sanford, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Sanford, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,743▲ | $65,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.53▲ | $31.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,700▲ | $46,193 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,932▲ | $57,173 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,434▲ | $74,351 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,324▲ | $82,908 |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Sanford is $4,252 (6.49%). 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 Raleigh spans $27,624,Sanford spans $36,715. Sanford 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, Raleigh ($71,052 effective) pays 1.55% more than Sanford ($69,969 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,743/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,324)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,052)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Raleigh grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$54,700 (2019) → $67,890 (2025)
Sanford, NC
$60,908 (2024) → $63,751 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Sanford, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Raleigh or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Sanford?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Sanford as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Raleigh vs Sanford?
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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