Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Kannapolis, NC: $49.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Kannapolis, NC runs $49.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Kannapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,979 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kannapolis, North Carolina, the projected physical therapist hourly pay in 2026 stands at $49.66, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate offers promising opportunities for both part-time staff and per-diem workers typically employed in outpatient clinic gyms, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and various other settings. For those working part-time at three days per week, the income can be substantial, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $37.01 per hour, while the top earners can make as much as $63.59 per hour. All these figures indicate that even within a moderately priced cost-of-living area like Kannapolis, physical therapists can expect competitive compensation, allowing for a range from beginning practitioners to seasoned professionals.
About the Kannapolis 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) | $37.01 | $296.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.07 | $328.53 |
| Median (P50) | $49.66 | $397.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.82 | $470.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.59 | $508.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kannapolis
Based on $49.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.66/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kannapolis, NC can expect to earn approximately $103,298 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,595. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kannapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kannapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,986.49 | $8,608 | $103,298 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,191.90 | $5,165 | $61,979 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $794.60 | $3,443 | $41,319 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Kannapolis) | $49.66 |
| 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 Kannapolis, NC earn a median of $103,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.90% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% above the North Carolina state average of $102,371.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.66/hr = $61,979/year (purchasing power: $66,216).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,298/year (purchasing power: $110,361).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kannapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Kannapolis grew 14.9% from $42.19/hr (2019) to $48.47/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.88/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 Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis
The annual take-home pay for a part-time physical therapist, working 24 hours a week, can add up to around $61,893, a respectable sum that underscores the advantages of flexible work schedules. In addition, many physical therapists are exploring per diem roles, which typically range from $50 to $75 an hour, while travel contracts often yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800. The distinction in hourly rates varies significantly across employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics frequently offering less than hospital settings due to a productivity model that rewards high caseloads. Those willing to forgo benefits in exchange for higher hourly wages often find cash-pay services rewarding, especially in high-cost living markets. As physical therapists in Kannapolis consider their worth, negotiating for higher pay may involve leveraging specialized skills, understanding local market conditions, and emphasizing productivity models in their negotiations, as well as staying aware of overarching trends from APTA and facilities like Athletico or ATI.
More salary data for Kannapolis, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Kannapolis in 2026?
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Are physical therapists in Kannapolis paid hourly or salary?
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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 Kannapolis. 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 Kannapolis 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