Average Physical Therapists Salary in Wilmington, NC
Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $87,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $102,240, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation levels. Factors such as the specific healthcare landscape and the overall economic environment within Wilmington contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,560.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, hosts a dedicated workforce of 550 Physical Therapists, representing a significant concentration relative to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.82. With 2.94 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for these professionals appears robust, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for skilled physical therapists in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC earns-14.6%below the national average.
$42
$1,680
$7,278
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC, has experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, increased demand for rehabilitative services, and inflation typically contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation for healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The salary range for Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC, typically widens significantly with experience. Entry-level practitioners may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. This progression highlights clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $54,990 | $26.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $65,505 | $31.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $84,800 | $40.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $109,175 | $52.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $107,560 | $51.7 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $87,340 for Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the local economy, offering a stable financial standing for professionals relocating to or residing in the area.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
2.94
Per 1K Jobs
1.82
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.8x the national concentration of Physical Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a strong concentration of Physical Therapists, with a Location Quotient of 1.82, indicating that the profession is more prevalent here than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a potentially competitive market, where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, but also where a substantial pool of talent exists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Physical Therapists Salary | $89,920↑ 3% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Physical Therapists Salary | $89,980↑ 3% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Physical Therapists Salary | $90,520↑ 4% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Physical Therapists Salary | $98,360↑ 13% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Physical Therapists Salary | $93,980↑ 8% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC is $87,340. This typically ranges from $54,990 for entry-level positions to $107,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 14.6% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, it offers a stable financial standing.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living also matches the national average, making the $87,340 salary hold its purchasing power effectively. The strong concentration and job availability indicate a healthy market.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($89,920) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Physical Therapist salary compare to the national average?
Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC, earn an average of $87,340 annually, which is lower than the national average of $102,240.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, NC for Physical Therapists?
The cost of living in Wilmington, NC, is at the national average (100), meaning the local salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is there high demand for Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.82 and 2.94 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a strong concentration and demand for Physical Therapists in Wilmington, NC.
How many Physical Therapists work in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 550 Physical Therapists employed in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 2.94 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 Wilmington, NC