Matthews vs Raleigh: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Matthews, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Matthews, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,181 | $102,358▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.65 | $49.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,269 | $80,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,920 | $87,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,836▲ | $113,464 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,625 | $130,667▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Matthews.
The salary gap between Matthews and Raleigh is $1,177 (1.16%). Raleigh's median is -2.78% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Matthews spans $48,356,Raleigh spans $50,246. Raleigh 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, Matthews ($108,099 effective) pays 3.66% more than Raleigh ($104,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Matthews if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,099)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,358/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,667)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Matthews grew 14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Matthews, NC
$86,048 (2024) → $98,752 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$84,240 (2019) → $99,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Matthews, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Matthews or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Matthews and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Matthews to Raleigh as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Matthews vs Raleigh?
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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