Durham vs Huntersville: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Durham, NC and Huntersville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Huntersville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,706 | $103,454▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.38 | $49.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,706▲ | $74,344 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,777 | $89,686▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,177 | $120,484▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,977 | $132,799▲ |
| Total Employed | 790▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Huntersville, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Durham and Huntersville is $748 (0.73%). Huntersville's median is -1.74% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $46,271,Huntersville spans $58,455. Huntersville 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, Huntersville ($110,528 effective) pays 5.00% 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 Durham if…
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Huntersville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,799)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,528)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Durham grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Huntersville over the same period.
Durham, NC
$77,200 (2019) → $100,240 (2025)
Huntersville, NC
$87,980 (2024) → $100,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Huntersville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Durham or Huntersville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Huntersville?
Should I relocate from Durham to Huntersville as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Durham vs Huntersville?
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