PT Assistant Salary

Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Goldsboro, NC: $82,482 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Goldsboro, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,482/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Goldsboro's price premium (BEA RPP 88.5, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,240 in average-cost America. The 16% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$82,482
Top 10% Earn
$39.65/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$76,411
75th Percentile
$82,482
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Physical Therapist Assistant Senior Salary in Goldsboro, NC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Goldsboro, NC physical therapist assistant senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Goldsboro, NC, the potential for seasoned physical therapist assistants to achieve considerable compensation is evident in the projected 2026 figures. Experienced professionals can anticipate a median annual salary of $71,038, with top earners (P90) reaching approximately $82,482, a clear indicator of the financial reward associated with advanced experience in this field. This represents a significant gap, illustrating the value placed on expertise as compared to the median salary; while those just starting in the profession may find their earnings considerably lower, senior physical therapist assistants are able to capitalize on their extensive training and hands-on experience. Attaining such levels of income typically requires not only a solid track record in clinical settings but also specializations or advanced certifications that set them apart in a competitive market such as Goldsboro.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goldsboro

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for physical therapist assistants in Goldsboro. The median salary is $71,038, compared to the national median of $70,247.$45.1K$55.5K$65.9K$76.2K$86.6K$50.1K10th Pctl$50.3K25th Pctl$71.0KMedian$76.4K75th Pctl$82.5K90th PctlUS Median$70.2K

Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Goldsboro earn between $76,411 and $82,482 per year (2026 est.). This $32,350 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Goldsboro median of $71,038 sits 1.13% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of physical therapist assistant pay in the Goldsboro metro area.

Top PTA Salary Comparison

LevelGoldsboroNational
Median (P50)$71,038$70,247
75th Percentile$76,411$80,828
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$82,482$91,954

In Goldsboro, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 16.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Goldsboro

1

Advanced Certifications in North Carolina

NC physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $71,038 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Goldsboro employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Goldsboro command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,411–$82,482 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Goldsboro metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Goldsboro with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Physical Therapist Assistants in North Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Goldsboro

Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant

0-5 years
$50,132 – $71,038

Senior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant

5-10 years
$71,038 – $76,411

Physical Therapist Assistant Department Manager

10+ years
$76,411+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Goldsboro ranks #25 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $82,482).

Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Goldsboro ($82,482) is 3.49% below the North Carolina average P90 ($85,461).

2019 BLS Actual

$72,513

2025 BLS Actual

$80,290

2026 Current Est.

$82,482

2019–2027 Growth

+16.9%

Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Goldsboro (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for physical therapist assistants in Goldsboro. Baseline $72,513 in 2025, projected to $84,734 by 2027.$69.3K$73.8K$78.3K$82.8K$87.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$72.5K$74.0K$71.9K$73.5K$84.3K$76.1K$80.3K$82.5K$84.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$72,513Actual
2020$73,975Actual
2021$71,912Actual
2022$73,450Actual
2023$84,340Actual
2024$76,110Actual
2025$80,290Actual
2026(current)$82,482Estimated
2027$84,734Projected

Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Goldsboro saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $72,513 in 2019 to $80,290 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $84,734 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goldsboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Goldsboro

Several factors influence the senior physical therapist assistant pay in NC, particularly the types of services provided and the employers offering positions. Specializations such as orthopedic, geriatric rehabilitation, and pediatric therapy often command higher salaries, particularly in outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities. The nature of the workplace also impacts compensation; for instance, hospital settings may yield higher financial benefits compared to outpatient services due to comprehensive care and more stringent Medicare reimbursement rates. As professionals advance their careers, pathways such as lead PTA roles or becoming regional clinical educators can offer further financial incentives. Additionally, advanced credentials—including an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successful completion of the NPTAE, and optional proficiency certifications through the APTA—can contribute to an increase in pay. However, it’s crucial for practitioners to remain aware of external factors, such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services, which may influence wages in heavily Medicare-dependent environments like skilled nursing facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Goldsboro in 2026?

Top-earning physical therapist assistants in Goldsboro (90th percentile) make $82,482/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.73% annual growth). This is $11,444 more than the area median of $71,038 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior physical therapist assistants typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Goldsboro?

Higher physical therapist assistant pay in Goldsboro is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Goldsboro?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for physical therapist assistants in Goldsboro include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $71,038, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Goldsboro?

The 90th percentile in Goldsboro is $82,482. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Goldsboro?

In Goldsboro, the gap between entry level ($50,132) and top earners ($82,482) is $32,350, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $80,290 for physical therapist assistants in the Goldsboro metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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

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