Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $33.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Raleigh, NC runs $33.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,847 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Raleigh offers a competitive physical therapist assistant hourly pay at $33.53, which closely aligns with the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This hourly compensation creates attractive opportunities for part-time staff, such as those working three days a week, or individuals seeking per-diem positions in settings ranging from outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities. With an hourly range extending from $29.66 for entry-level professionals to $42.94 for seasoned experts, the pay structure reflects both experience levels and the growing demand for rehabilitation services in the area. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, this financial framework highlights the importance of robust hourly rates in supporting the livelihood of physical therapist assistants throughout Raleigh.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.66 | $237.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.70 | $253.62 |
| Median (P50) | $33.53 | $268.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.15 | $313.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.94 | $343.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $33.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.53/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $69,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,237. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,341.24 | $5,812 | $69,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $804.75 | $3,487 | $41,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $536.50 | $2,325 | $27,898 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Raleigh) | $33.53 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $69,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.72% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.00% above the North Carolina state average of $66,422.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.53/hr = $41,847/year (purchasing power: $42,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,745/year (purchasing power: $71,054).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Raleigh grew 24.1% from $26.30/hr (2019) to $32.64/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.45/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
For PTAs considering part-time schedules, a commitment of 24 hours a week can yield significant annual earnings, although these figures will be lower than those of their full-time counterparts. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Raleigh varies widely, with many professionals earning between $32 and $48 per hour, and travel contracts offering weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. Local employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies can influence these hourly rates. Some may find themselves accepting lower rates for the benefits of health insurance while others may prefer higher pay without additional perks. For effective negotiation in Raleigh, understanding the specific compensation dynamics of local employers, especially in the aftermath of the 15% Medicare cut, is essential for PTAs looking to maximize their financial outcomes.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Raleigh in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Raleigh?
Are physical therapist assistants in Raleigh paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Raleigh?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Raleigh?
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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 Raleigh. 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