Asheville vs Durham: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Asheville, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,927 | $102,706▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.01 | $49.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,423 | $82,706▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,390▲ | $82,777 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,821▲ | $108,177 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,432▲ | $128,977 |
| Total Employed | 300 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Asheville.
The salary gap between Asheville and Durham is $779 (0.76%). Durham's median is -2.45% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Asheville spans $52,009,Durham spans $46,271. Asheville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Asheville ($105,617 effective) pays 0.34% more than Durham ($105,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,432)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,617)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,706/year)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Asheville grew 12.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Durham over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$88,860 (2019) → $99,480 (2025)
Durham, NC
$77,200 (2019) → $100,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Asheville or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Durham?
Should I relocate from Asheville to Durham as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Asheville vs Durham?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov