Charlotte vs Rocky Mount: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Rocky Mount, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Rocky Mount, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,546 | $105,565▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.79 | $50.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,829▲ | $80,441 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,384▲ | $87,696 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,208▲ | $114,899 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,284▲ | $128,505 |
| Total Employed | 1,680▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Charlotte and Rocky Mount are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Rocky Mount is $2,019 (1.95%). Rocky Mount's median is +0.26% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $46,455,Rocky Mount spans $48,064. Rocky Mount has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rocky Mount ($119,944 effective) pays 12.76% more than Charlotte ($106,367 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,284)
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Rocky Mount if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,565/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,944)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Charlotte grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Rocky Mount over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$87,100 (2019) → $101,060 (2025)
Rocky Mount, NC
$86,290 (2020) → $103,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Rocky Mount, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Charlotte or Rocky Mount?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Rocky Mount?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Rocky Mount as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Charlotte vs Rocky Mount?
Related Comparisons
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