Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $49.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $49.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,565 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,145 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $49.80, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This figure plays a crucial role for those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, or home health visits. Part-time physical therapists working three days a week can expect to earn significantly while maintaining a flexible schedule that accommodates personal commitments. The hourly range in the area spans from $36.23 for entry-level practitioners to $67.64 for top earners, highlighting the spectrum of compensation available depending on experience and practice setting, with these estimates derived from projected annual salary data.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.23 | $289.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.51 | $324.10 |
| Median (P50) | $49.80 | $398.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.33 | $466.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.64 | $541.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill
Based on $49.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.80/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $103,575 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,755. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,991.82 | $8,631 | $103,575 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,195.09 | $5,179 | $62,145 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.73 | $3,452 | $41,430 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Chapel Hill) | $49.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $103,565 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.64% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.20% above the North Carolina state average of $102,336.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.80/hr = $62,145/year (purchasing power: $66,394).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,575/year (purchasing power: $110,657).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Chapel Hill grew 14.9% from $42.30/hr (2019) to $48.60/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel Hill 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Chapel Hill
For those considering part-time work, a physical therapist working 24 hours per week can anticipate a different financial reality compared to full-time colleagues. While full-time options offer stability, part-time therapists still make a respectable annual income, potentially around $62,063 based on a consistent schedule. Per diem physical therapist pay in Chapel Hill often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, making it an attractive option for those pursuing flexibility. Additionally, travel contracts may yield weekly earnings between $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends, while specialists can charge $150 to $250 per hour for cash-pay sessions in higher-cost markets. Hourly rates vary depending on the type of employer; for example, outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Athletico might provide less compared to hospital systems, which often offer benefits packages but at lower hourly rates. Understanding the trade-offs is vital, as some therapists prefer higher hourly wages without benefits while others value job security and health insurance. Negotiation strategies focusing on unique market conditions in Chapel Hill can help physical therapists make informed choices about their career paths.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Chapel Hill in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Chapel Hill. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chapel Hill 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