Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Monroe, NC: $47.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Monroe, NC runs $47.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,417 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,050 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Monroe, North Carolina, physical therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $47.32, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This disparity can influence those working part-time, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, as well as per-diem physical therapists. In typical work settings—including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health visits—hourly compensation varies between $38.01 and $60.67. Entry-level positions often pay near the lower end of this spectrum, while seasoned professionals can command rates closer to the upper end. This hourly data is derived from annual salary projections and reveals the economic landscape that physical therapists face in Monroe.
For part-time physical therapists in Monroe, working 24 hours a week translates to take-home earnings that can significantly differ compared to full-time employment. While full-time therapists benefit from comprehensive support, part-time professionals can strategically select roles that maximize their income, especially since some per-diem physical therapists command rates between $50 and $75 per hour depending on the setting. Travel PT contracts can yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, reflecting a lucrative opportunity for physical therapists willing to move. Employed by a variety of settings, from outpatient orthopedic clinics to sports medicine facilities, hourly rates can vary widely based on the specific employer. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, while others prioritize higher pay with the trade-off of lacking insurance. To maximize earning potential, therapists in Monroe should consider negotiating contracts that reflect their skills and the local job market dynamics.
About the Monroe 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) | $38.01 | $304.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.98 | $327.87 |
| Median (P50) | $47.32 | $378.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.44 | $443.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.67 | $485.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $47.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.32/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, NC can expect to earn approximately $98,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,779. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,892.64 | $8,201 | $98,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,135.58 | $4,921 | $59,050 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $757.06 | $3,281 | $39,367 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Monroe) | $47.32 |
| 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 Monroe, NC earn a median of $98,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.53% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.80% below the North Carolina state average of $102,304.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.32/hr = $59,050/year (purchasing power: $63,088).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,417/year (purchasing power: $105,147).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Monroe grew 14.9% from $40.19/hr (2019) to $46.18/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.48/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 Monroe 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.
More salary data for Monroe, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Monroe in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Monroe?
Are physical therapists in Monroe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Monroe?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Monroe. 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 Monroe 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