Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Burlington, NC: $61,772 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Burlington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,772 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,282 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,085) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Burlington, North Carolina, can expect starting salaries around $61,772 based on 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $78,085, leaving a noticeable gap that new PTAs should keep in mind as they begin their careers. On a positive note, there is a projected growth trajectory for early-career professionals in the area, advancing from entry-level pay to approximately $63,374 within a few years, and potentially reaching median levels over a span of three to five years. Given the competitive entry-level wages in Burlington compared to the national average of $70,247, the city represents a viable market for new graduates pursuing physical therapist assistant positions.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Burlington, NC typically start between $61,772 and $63,374 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,323 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,085 — 11.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in North Carolina of $16,000 represents just 25.90% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($61,772/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $61,772 to $63,374, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Burlington is $22,323 ( 36.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,772, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,095.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,122
2025 BLS Actual
$60,130
2026 Current Est.
$61,772
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,122 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,772 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,458 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, NC grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,122 in 2019 to $60,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,458. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Burlington
In Burlington, various employers actively hire new graduates, particularly outpatient rehabilitation chains which predominantly recruit first-time physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have also shown a willingness to employ new graduates despite recent reimbursement cuts that have affected pay structures. For those looking to enhance their starting physical therapist assistant salary in Burlington, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and successfully passing the NPTAE exam are fundamental steps. Additionally, maintaining a state PTA license and considering advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further boost earning potential. It is crucial for early career professionals to stay informed about the impact of recent Medicare cuts, especially since PTAs are required to work under the supervision of physical therapists, which may influence job availability and salary growth in the initial years. Realistically, PTAs can expect incremental salary increases during their first three years, making ongoing education and professional development a vital aspect of career advancement in this local job market.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Burlington?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Burlington?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in North Carolina?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov