Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Wilson, NC: $47,476 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Wilson, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,476 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilson's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,722 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,677) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning a starting physical therapist assistant salary in Wilson, NC, can be quite promising for new graduates entering the field in 2026. Those beginning their careers can expect a minimum annual salary around $47,476, which is significantly lower than the overall city median of $63,677. However, with experience, the potential for growth exists, as salaries can progress from this entry-level figure to approximately $57,284 within the first few years. This upward movement could lead new PTAs to a median salary as they gain experience, suggesting that Wilson's current job market shows viability for fresh graduates who are eager to establish their careers in physical therapy.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilson
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 Wilson
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Wilson, NC typically start between $47,476 and $57,284 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,422 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,677 — 9.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in North Carolina of $16,000 represents just 33.70% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,476/year) in Wilson. 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 Wilson
- 1Research the Wilson market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,476 to $57,284, 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 Wilson, 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 Wilson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilson'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 Wilson is $33,422 ( 70.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,476, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,898.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,374
2025 BLS Actual
$46,214
2026 Current Est.
$47,476
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,751 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,214 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,476 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,772 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Wilson, NC grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,374 in 2019 to $46,214 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,772. New graduates entering the Wilson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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 Wilson
For those looking to secure their first jobs as physical therapist assistants, Wilson offers various employment opportunities, particularly with outpatient chains that frequently recruit new grads. While skilled nursing facilities and rehab firms also hire, these employers may expect at least one to two years of clinic experience due to recent reimbursement cuts impacting Medicare Part B services. To maximize starting physical therapist assistant pay in NC, graduates should prioritize obtaining their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing their state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can further enhance earning potential. New professionals should anticipate a realistic growth in salary over the first three years as they navigate the job market and gain vital experience in various clinical settings.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Wilson in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Wilson?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Wilson?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Wilson?
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 Wilson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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