Average Physical Therapists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Physical Therapists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $92,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $102,240, suggesting that while demand exists, local market factors or specific industry concentrations may influence compensation levels. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for career planning in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,780.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a robust workforce of 690 Physical Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.24, the concentration of these professionals is higher than the national average, indicating a significant presence and potentially strong demand within the local healthcare ecosystem. The rate of 2.007 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established need for physical therapy services in this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-9.9%below the national average.
$44.3
$1,772
$7,679
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in physical therapy techniques likely contribute to a consistent upward pressure on compensation, even if the local average currently trails the national benchmark.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Physical Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill typically scales with experience. Entry-level practitioners can expect to earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience will command higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the potential for substantial income growth over a career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $77,810 | $37.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $69,113 | $33.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $96,630 | $46.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $115,188 | $55.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $116,780 | $56.1 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $92,150 for Physical Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial outlook without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
2.007
Per 1K Jobs
1.24
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.24, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.24 signifies that Physical Therapists are more concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market for these professionals, where demand is at least on par with, if not exceeding, the national rate relative to the general workforce. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it points to a robust presence of physical therapy services and employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Physical Therapists Salary | $94,850↑ 3% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Physical Therapists Salary | $94,220↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Physical Therapists Salary | $92,030↓ 0% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $104,390↑ 13% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $90,760↓ 2% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $92,150. This typically ranges from $77,810 for entry-level positions to $116,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 9.9% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $92,150 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, maintaining purchasing power. The higher-than-average concentration (LQ 1.24) indicates strong local demand.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($94,850) and Burlington, NC.
How does the Physical Therapist salary in Durham-Chapel Hill compare to the national average?
Physical Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill earn an average of $92,150 annually, which is approximately $10,000 less than the national average of $102,240.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
Is there high demand for Physical Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.24 suggests a higher concentration of Physical Therapists than the national average, indicating robust local demand and a strong job market for these professionals.
How many Physical Therapists work in Durham-Chapel Hill?
There are approximately 690 Physical Therapists employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 2.007 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC