Physical Therapist Pay

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.

$98,417
Median Annual Salary
$47.32/hr
Hourly Rate
$79,067
Entry Level (P10)
$126,179
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physical Therapist Hourly Rate in Monroe, NC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Monroe, NC physical therapist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a physical therapist in Monroe earning $47.32/hr would make approximately $56,779 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $98,417 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$56,779Reduced (32 hr/wk)$75,706Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$98,417

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$378.53
per 8hr shift
$1,892.64
per week
$8,201
per month
$98,417
per year

Schedule Comparison in Monroe

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing physical therapist median salary in Monroe ($98,417) with North Carolina average ($102,304) and the US national median ($105,288).Monroe$98,417North Carolina Avg$102,304-3.80%US National$105,288-6.53%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for physical therapists in Monroe. Baseline $40.19/hr in 2025, projected to $48.48/hr by 2027.$39$41$44$47$502019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$40.19$40.90$42.97$43.92$44.81$40.24$46.18$47.32$48.48
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$40.19/hrActual
2020$40.90/hrActual
2021$42.97/hrActual
2022$43.92/hrActual
2023$44.81/hrActual
2024$40.24/hrActual
2025$46.18/hrActual
2026(current)$47.32/hrEstimated
2027$48.48/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Monroe in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for physical therapists in Monroe is $47.32/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.46% annual growth). Rates range from $38.01 at entry level (10th percentile) to $60.67 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 6.5% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time physical therapists make in Monroe?

A part-time physical therapist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Monroe earns approximately $4,921/month, or $59,050/year at the median hourly rate of $47.32. Many physical therapists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are physical therapists in Monroe paid hourly or salary?

The majority of physical therapists in Monroe are paid hourly at a median rate of $47.32/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $98,417/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Monroe?

A full-time physical therapist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Monroe earns approximately $98,417/year at the median hourly rate of $47.32. This is 6.5% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $126,186/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?

Part-time and per diem physical therapists in Monroe sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $60.67/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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