Physical Therapist Salary in Wilson, NC: $98,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Wilson, NC earns a median $98,123/year (≈ $47.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Wilson's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $104,832 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapists in Wilson, NC, the projected median salary of $98,123 in 2026 indicates a competitive compensation profile, particularly given the increased productivity expectations that shape the local market. With a salary range from $78,456 at the 10th percentile to $125,239 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect regional estimates adjusted for cost of living dynamics. Compared nationally, this median salary falls approximately 6.81% below the anticipated $105,288, suggesting that while the financial incentives for physical therapists in Wilson may vary, they remain significant. The market here presents unique challenges and opportunities, making a clear understanding of salary structures crucial for current and aspiring physical therapists.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,456 | $37.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,648 | $40.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,123 | $47.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,825 | $56.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,239 | $60.22 |
Median Salary Position
6.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
In Wilson, NC, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,783 (2026 est.). At $98,123, the local median is 6.81% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilson Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Wilson median: $98,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $102,318 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -6.81% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilson has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilson, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $98,123 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,832 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,353
2025 BLS Actual
$95,767
2026 Current Est.
$98,123
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,113 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,767 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,537 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilson metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $83,353 (2019) to $95,767 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,537 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,184 (20.62%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,456 – $84,648 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,648 – $98,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,123 – $116,825 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,825 – $125,239 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Wilson
In Wilson, the job market is characterized by a concentration of just seven employed physical therapists, which may limit competition for top-paying positions. However, with a cost of living index of 93.6, the purchasing power for those earning a physical therapist salary in Wilson remains favorable compared to national averages. Employers that typically offer higher pay include outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico or larger hospital systems, each driven by productivity models that require a significant volume of patient visits. The earnings disparity often hinges on factors such as board certification stipends, the choice between cash-pay and insurance-based practice models, and the demand for specialized services. Individuals looking to enhance their physical therapist pay in Wilson, NC, should consider obtaining specialized certifications (like OCS or SCS), exploring ownership stakes in clinics, or adapting to high-demand settings, such as sports medicine. These strategies could effectively increase their earning potential in the evolving landscape of health care delivery.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Wilson, NC in 2026?
Is Wilson, NC a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Wilson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,767 for physical therapistsin the Wilson metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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