Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Wilson, NC: $47.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Wilson, NC runs $47.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,123 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Wilson's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,871 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilson, North Carolina, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $47.17, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate is crucial for those considering part-time or per-diem positions, allowing them to explore opportunities in various settings like outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and even in-home visits. For therapists working part-time three days a week, this translates to a significant income while allowing flexibility in personal schedules. With a range from $37.72 for entry-level positions to $60.22 for more experienced practitioners, the local physical therapist hourly pay reflects the demand for rehabilitation services in Wilson and can be quite competitive depending on the setting and patient demographics.
About the Wilson 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) | $37.72 | $301.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.70 | $325.58 |
| Median (P50) | $47.17 | $377.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.17 | $449.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.22 | $481.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilson
Based on $47.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.17/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilson, NC can expect to earn approximately $98,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,607. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,886.90 | $8,177 | $98,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,132.14 | $4,906 | $58,871 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.76 | $3,271 | $39,248 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Wilson) | $47.17 |
| 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 Wilson, NC earn a median of $98,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.81% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $102,318.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.17/hr = $58,871/year (purchasing power: $62,897).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,119/year (purchasing power: $104,828).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Wilson grew 14.9% from $40.07/hr (2019) to $46.04/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.33/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 Wilson 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 Wilson
When evaluating part-time earning potential, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week would earn a substantial sum annually, but this compares differently to full-time earnings that typically exceed what part-timers receive. For those on a per diem basis, the reality is that pay can often range between $50 and $75 per hour, especially for temporary or agency jobs. For therapists in specialized areas, such as sports medicine, rates in higher-cost-of-living markets can soar up to $150-$250 for cash-pay services. In Wilson, however, compensation varies significantly depending on the employer type. Outpatient clinics may pay less than hospital settings, which might offer better benefits packages. As physical therapists in NC weigh their options, choosing between lower hourly rates with health insurance versus higher rates without benefits often factors into their career decisions. Negotiating hourly rates in Wilson involves considering location, type of facilities, and the growing trend of cash-pay practices, leading many therapists to evaluate how to balance salary with job satisfaction and benefits.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Wilson in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Wilson?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Wilson?
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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 Wilson. 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 Wilson 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