Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Statesville, NC: $31.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Statesville, NC runs $31.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,874 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Statesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Statesville, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant is $31.67. This figure is slightly below the national median of $33.77, highlighting a regional pay scale that may reflect the lower cost of living index in this area. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can significantly influence overall earnings, especially in settings like outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities. The hourly earnings range from about $22.79 for entry-level positions up to $40.46 for top earners, enabling flexibility for per-diem positions and giving students or new graduates the opportunity to gain experience while earning in the process.
About the Statesville 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) | $22.79 | $182.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.88 | $223.05 |
| Median (P50) | $31.67 | $253.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.17 | $289.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.46 | $323.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Statesville
Based on $31.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.67/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Statesville, NC can expect to earn approximately $65,877 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,006. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Statesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Statesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,266.87 | $5,490 | $65,877 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.12 | $3,294 | $39,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.75 | $2,196 | $26,351 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Statesville) | $31.67 |
| 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 Statesville, NC earn a median of $65,874 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.80% below the North Carolina state average of $66,405.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.67/hr = $39,526/year (purchasing power: $42,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,877/year (purchasing power: $70,381).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Statesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Statesville grew 16.3% from $26.51/hr (2019) to $30.83/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.54/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 Statesville 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 Statesville
Physical therapist assistants in Statesville often weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay rates and benefits when choosing positions. For instance, a part-time PTA putting in 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $39,000 annually, compared to those working full-time. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Statesville can range from $32 to $48 per hour, providing an option for those who prefer more flexibility. However, the effects of the recent 15% Medicare cuts have pressured wages, particularly in settings heavily reliant on these reimbursements, such as skilled nursing facilities. The rates can vary notably depending on the employer type, with outpatient clinics tending to offer different rates compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Linked to this, many professionals find themselves negotiating their hourly pay based on the benefits offered, as some opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other perks. Understanding the local job market and expressing knowledge of current compensation structures can be advantageous in salary discussions.
More salary data for Statesville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Statesville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Statesville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Statesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Statesville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Statesville?
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 Statesville. 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 Statesville 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