Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, NC: $49.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Fayetteville, NC runs $49.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,583 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,544 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $49.31, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate offers a respectable financial return for professionals operating in various environments, such as outpatient clinic gyms, hospital inpatient rehab units, and skilled nursing facilities. For part-time workers contemplating schedules like three days per week, this rate can lead to significant earnings, particularly if they also explore per-diem roles, where pay structures can be more lucrative. Entry-level physical therapists can expect to earn around $37.49 hourly, while top earners can command rates as high as $59.91. Where one practices can greatly influence compensation, with outpatient rehabilitation settings being common venues for employment.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.49 | $299.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.87 | $326.97 |
| Median (P50) | $49.31 | $394.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.50 | $435.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.91 | $479.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $49.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.31/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, NC can expect to earn approximately $102,573 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,177. With a cost-of-living index of 91.98 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,972.56 | $8,548 | $102,573 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,183.54 | $5,129 | $61,544 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.02 | $3,419 | $41,029 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Fayetteville) | $49.31 |
| 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 Fayetteville, NC earn a median of $102,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.57% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.20% above the North Carolina state average of $102,378.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.31/hr = $61,544/year (purchasing power: $66,912).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,573/year (purchasing power: $111,519).
CoL index: 91.978 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Fayetteville grew 15.9% from $41.52/hr (2019) to $48.13/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.53/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
For part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can vary significantly compared to full-time colleagues. While part-timers enjoy flexibility, the total earnings can still be substantial—especially considering that per diem physical therapist pay in Fayetteville often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour. In addition, travel contracts can provide impressive weekly salaries between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends to help cover living expenses. Different employment types present varied earning potentials; outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay lower base wages compared to hospitals but can offer enhanced productivity bonuses. This disparity can lead many physical therapists to balance hourly pay against benefits like health insurance—accepting lower pay for stability in some cases while seeking higher hourly rates elsewhere without benefits. When negotiating offers, understanding local market rates and being clear about job expectations are vital strategies for success in Fayetteville's evolving job market.
More salary data for Fayetteville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Fayetteville?
Are physical therapists in Fayetteville paid hourly or salary?
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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 Fayetteville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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