Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Greensboro, NC: $31.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Greensboro, NC runs $31.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,374 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Greensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,821 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Greensboro, North Carolina, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.91. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $33.77, highlighting a modest regional wage in relation to the broader market. For those working part-time—like many PTAs who may only be in the field three days a week—this translates into an income that allows for flexibility, albeit with some financial trade-offs when compared to full-time employment. The hourly wage range for physical therapist assistants here stretches from $26.88 at the entry-level to $39.97 for the top 10% of earners, reflecting the wide variety of experience and workplace settings from outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces. These figures come from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.88 | $215.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.21 | $241.70 |
| Median (P50) | $31.91 | $255.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.31 | $298.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.97 | $319.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greensboro
Based on $31.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.91/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greensboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $66,369 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,290. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,276.32 | $5,531 | $66,369 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.79 | $3,318 | $39,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.53 | $2,212 | $26,547 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Greensboro) | $31.91 |
| 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 Greensboro, NC earn a median of $66,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.51% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% below the North Carolina state average of $66,440.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.91/hr = $39,821/year (purchasing power: $42,881).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,369/year (purchasing power: $71,468).
CoL index: 92.865 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Greensboro grew 12.8% from $27.54/hr (2019) to $31.06/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.78/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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro
When evaluating the earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Greensboro, it’s important to consider both part-time and per-diem options. A PTA working 24 hours each week could expect to take home about $39,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time income opportunities. For per-diem positions, physical therapist assistants can bill anywhere from $32 to $48 per hour, adding a significant financial incentive for those willing to pursue agency positions or travel contracts. These contracts often yield higher weekly payments, usually ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, although some skilled nursing facility positions may offer lower premiums due to recent Medicare cuts. Hourly pay can significantly vary by employer type in Greensboro; outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide more competitive rates than home health agencies or school therapy programs. Negotiating effectively can lead to better pay, especially for those who prioritize health benefits. Physical therapist assistants should assess their unique circumstances and consider the trade-offs between hourly rates and the associated benefits each employment type offers.
More salary data for Greensboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Greensboro in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Greensboro?
Are physical therapist assistants in Greensboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Greensboro?
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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 Greensboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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