Durham vs Pinehurst: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Durham, NC and Pinehurst, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Pinehurst, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,706▲ | $96,722 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.38▲ | $46.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,706▲ | $77,081 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,777▲ | $80,575 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,177▲ | $103,894 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,977▲ | $124,868 |
| Total Employed | 790▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pinehurst.
The salary gap between Durham and Pinehurst is $5,984 (6.19%). 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 Durham spans $46,271,Pinehurst spans $47,787. Pinehurst 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, Pinehurst ($109,493 effective) pays 4.02% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,706/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,977)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Pinehurst if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,493)
- ✓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 2.8% growth in Pinehurst over the same period.
Durham, NC
$77,200 (2019) → $100,240 (2025)
Pinehurst, NC
$91,860 (2024) → $94,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Pinehurst, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Durham or Pinehurst?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Pinehurst?
Should I relocate from Durham to Pinehurst as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Durham vs Pinehurst?
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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