Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Concord, NC: $76,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Concord, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,402 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,626 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,240) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Concord, North Carolina, the entry-level physical therapist salary is typically around $76,402 in 2026, significantly lower than the city median of $105,240. This gap indicates that new professionals may need a few years of experience or specialization to reach the median and even pursue higher salaries. Over the first few years in the field, early-career therapists can expect to see their salaries rise as they gain experience, with figures progressing to approximately $85,794 after reaching the 25th percentile. With the projected growth rate of 2.46%, Concord shows promise as a favorable market for recent graduates aiming to establish their careers in physical therapy.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level physical therapists in Concord, NC typically start between $76,402 and $85,794 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,329 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,240 — 0.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in North Carolina of $100,000 represents just 130.89% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,402/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,402 to $85,794, 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 Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $64,329 ( 84.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,402, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,731.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,049
2025 BLS Actual
$74,568
2026 Current Est.
$76,402
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,851 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,646 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,282 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NC grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,049 in 2019 to $74,568 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,282. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
In Concord, various employers are actively seeking new graduates in physical therapy. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico are prominent options for new DPT grads, often providing structured productivity ramps that facilitate growth, although initial pay may be lower compared to hospital systems. Additionally, larger hospital networks frequently offer residency programs that can lead to board certification, enhancing credentialing and, in turn, increasing starting pay. Credentials like a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passage of the NPTE, and state licensing set a solid foundation for entering the field. New graduates should consider optional residency or fellowship training for specialization boards like OCS or SCS, as these credentials help in advancing their compensation. Realistically, salary growth in the first three years can vary based on the employer, but with focus and strategic career planning, new physical therapists in Concord can expect their pay to improve steadily during this formative phase of their careers.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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