Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $31.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Kernersville, NC runs $31.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,816 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,488 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Kernersville, North Carolina, is projected to reach a median rate of $31.64. This figure is slightly below the national median of $33.77, reflecting the local economic context. For part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants, who may work three days a week or on an as-needed basis, this hourly rate offers flexibility alongside competitive compensation. Entry-level PTAs can expect to earn about $22.71 per hour, while top earners in this field can command up to $40.36 per hour. These rates, based on annual salary data, are relevant for those working in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and rehabilitation units, making it a versatile profession within the healthcare landscape of Kernersville.
About the Kernersville 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) | $22.71 | $181.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.82 | $222.55 |
| Median (P50) | $31.64 | $253.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.11 | $288.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.36 | $322.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $31.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.64/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $65,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,969. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,265.63 | $5,484 | $65,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.38 | $3,291 | $39,488 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.25 | $2,194 | $26,325 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Kernersville) | $31.64 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $65,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.31% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $66,414.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.64/hr = $39,488/year (purchasing power: $42,188).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,813/year (purchasing power: $70,313).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kernersville grew 16.3% from $26.48/hr (2019) to $30.80/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.50/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
Examining the earning potential reveals that a part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could earn an annual income of approximately $39,412, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. For those considering per diem opportunities, the pay range often falls between $32 and $48 per hour, with contracts for travel PTAs offering weekly earnings from $1,200 to $1,800. Factors such as employer type affect hourly wages; outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide higher rates than skilled nursing facilities, where pay has been pressured due to the 15% Medicare cut initiated in 2022. Understanding the nuances of hourly compensation, including the trade-off between benefits and hourly rates, can inform negotiation strategies for PTAs in Kernersville. It's advisable for professionals to align their career decisions with personal financial needs and job stability given the current trends in reimbursement rates and PTA demand.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Kernersville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Kernersville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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