Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $30.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Carrboro, NC runs $30.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,565 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrboro, North Carolina, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $30.10. This figure reflects a slight decrease compared to the national hourly median of $33.77, indicating a regional variance that may influence job opportunities for those entering the field. For physical therapist assistants who work part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly rate translates well in clinical settings such as outpatient clinics, home health visits, and skilled nursing facilities. Newcomers to the profession can expect to earn an hourly rate starting at $21.20, while seasoned professionals can command as much as $36.15 per hour, depending on their experience and the type of facility in which they are employed. As a result, the physical therapist assistant hourly rate in Carrboro provides a decent living but may also prompt some professionals to seek positions that offer better financial incentives elsewhere.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.20 | $169.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.05 | $224.36 |
| Median (P50) | $30.10 | $240.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.16 | $265.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.15 | $289.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $30.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.10/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $62,608 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,120. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.00 | $5,217 | $62,608 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.40 | $3,130 | $37,565 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.60 | $2,087 | $25,043 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Carrboro) | $30.10 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Carrboro, NC earn a median of $62,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.88% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $66,391.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.10/hr = $37,565/year (purchasing power: $40,133).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,608/year (purchasing power: $66,889).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Carrboro grew 16.3% from $25.19/hr (2019) to $29.30/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrboro 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Carrboro
When considering part-time opportunities, a physical therapist assistant working a typical 24-hour week would incur a significant deduction from their potential annual income compared to a full-time position. On average, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Carrboro generally ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, providing flexible work arrangements for those who value adaptability over stability. However, the landscape for agency-based positions has shifted since the 15% Medicare cut took effect in 2022, leading to reduced premiums for roles in skilled nursing facilities. Physical therapist assistants have various options when it comes to employer types, each presenting different pay scales. Outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly wages compared to hospital settings or specialized pediatric clinics, which often have more comprehensive benefits. When negotiating rates, it's crucial for prospective employees to weigh options concerning health insurance against hourly pay since roles with benefits may offer lower hourly compensation. Understanding these dynamics is essential for physical therapist assistants exploring career pathways in Carrboro, NC.
More salary data for Carrboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Carrboro in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Carrboro?
Are physical therapist assistants in Carrboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Carrboro?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Carrboro?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Carrboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrboro 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