Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Burlington, NC: $76,825 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Burlington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,825 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,434 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,608) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting pay for new graduates in physical therapy within Burlington, North Carolina is projected at approximately $76,825 in 2026. This starting salary represents a significant gap from the overall median for physical therapists in the city, which stands at $103,608. Early-career therapists can expect their earnings to rise gradually, with realistic salaries advancing from entry-level pay to around $88,566 within the first few years. For recent graduates eyeing career opportunities in Burlington, the local job market presents a decent outlook as companies look to fill positions, specifically in outpatient settings where salaries can be competitive.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level physical therapists in Burlington, NC typically start between $76,825 and $88,566 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,728 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,608 — 1.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in North Carolina of $100,000 represents just 130.17% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,825/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,825 to $88,566, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Burlington is $55,728 ( 72.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,825, experienced hygienists can earn up to $132,553.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,250
2025 BLS Actual
$74,980
2026 Current Est.
$76,825
2019–2027 Growth
+117.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,825 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,714 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, NC grew 106.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,250 in 2019 to $74,980 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,714. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Burlington
In terms of job prospects, various employers throughout Burlington hire recent DPT graduates, including outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico. These firms often offer structured productivity ramps that can enhance earnings through bonuses, although starting salaries may be lower compared to hospital systems, which also provide residency programs that lead to specialization. To improve earning potential, new professionals should focus on obtaining their state PT license, passing the NPTE, and considering board specialties such as OCS or SCS, which can elevate their entry salary. With the local job landscape consolidating, realistic expectations for salary growth in the initial years are crucial; professionals can anticipate gradual increases as they develop their skills, adapt to productivity expectations, and navigate the evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Burlington?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Burlington?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a physical therapist in North Carolina?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov