Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Goldsboro, NC: $43.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Goldsboro, NC runs $43.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Goldsboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.5, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,843 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Goldsboro, North Carolina, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be around $43.95 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $50.62. This hourly rate plays a significant role in shaping the opportunities for part-time and per-diem physical therapists who might work in various settings such as outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, and sports performance centers. Entry-level positions typically see hourly rates starting at $36.74, while experienced professionals can reach as much as $61.58. These variations reflect the dynamics of local demand and competition in areas like Goldsboro, where 50 therapists are currently employed. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, highlights the financial context within which physical therapists operate in this region.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.74 | $293.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.06 | $312.46 |
| Median (P50) | $43.95 | $351.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.02 | $432.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.58 | $492.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goldsboro
Based on $43.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.95/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goldsboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $91,406 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,734. With a cost-of-living index of 88.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goldsboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goldsboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,757.80 | $7,617 | $91,406 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,054.68 | $4,570 | $54,843 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $703.12 | $3,047 | $36,562 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Goldsboro) | $43.95 |
| 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 Goldsboro, NC earn a median of $91,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.19% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 10.70% below the North Carolina state average of $102,357.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.95/hr = $54,843/year (purchasing power: $61,997).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,406/year (purchasing power: $103,328).
CoL index: 88.462 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Goldsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Goldsboro grew 10.2% from $38.92/hr (2019) to $42.89/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.03/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 Goldsboro 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 Goldsboro
Turning to the earning potential for part-time physical therapists, those working three days a week for 24 hours can expect a notable annual income that is less than what their full-time peers earn. Many per diem therapists in Goldsboro can capitalize on higher hourly rates generally ranging from $50 to $75, especially if they engage with travel contracts that can yield weekly pay as high as $2,800 plus stipends. The types of employers also play a crucial role; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower hourly rates compared to hospitals or specialized sports medicine clinics. Some therapists choose employment for health benefits and stability, often accepting lower pay as a trade-off. Negotiating tips specific to hourly positions could include clarity about expectations and workload, which can empower physical therapists in Goldsboro to achieve better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Goldsboro, 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
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 Goldsboro. 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