Physical Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $106,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Winston-Salem, NC earns a median $106,082/year (≈ $51.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Winston-Salem's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $113,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $106,082 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national average of $105,288. This healthy compensation reflects both the demand for skilled practitioners and the growing trend towards cash-pay models, particularly in sports and orthopedic practices, which can significantly elevate top-end earnings. The salary range for physical therapists in this region spans from $73,171 at the 10th percentile to $143,767 at the 90th percentile, showcasing how specialized skills and practice settings can influence pay. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting the positive local job market landscape that supports approximately 59 physical therapists in the area.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,171 | $35.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,974 | $40.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,082 | $51.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,054 | $61.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,767 | $69.12 |
Median Salary Position
0.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, NC, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,596 (2026 est.). At $106,082, the local median is 0.75% above the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Winston-Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston-Salem Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Winston-Salem median: $106,082/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston-Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $102,396 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +0.75% more |
Physical Therapists in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $106,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $102,396.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $106,082 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,335 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,115
2025 BLS Actual
$103,535
2026 Current Est.
$106,082
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,696 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,341 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,457 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,462 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,535 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,692 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $90,115 (2019) to $103,535 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,692 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,577 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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) | $73,171 – $83,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,974 – $106,082 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,082 – $127,054 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,054 – $143,767 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Winston-Salem
In examining the job market for physical therapists in Winston-Salem, the local cost of living index, set at 93.6, suggests that take-home pay stretches further than in many other regions, allowing residents to enjoy a comparatively affordable lifestyle. The highest-paying employers in the area are often outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as chains like ATI or private practices, which tend to offer enhanced productivity bonuses. The disparities in physical therapist pay in Winston-Salem arise from several factors, including expectations for visit productivity, opportunities for board certification stipends, and the shift towards cash-pay versus insurance-based practice models. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in this evolving market, pursuing advanced certifications such as OCS or SCS while selecting positions in high-demand settings can be strategic steps toward achieving higher compensation.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $103,535 for physical therapistsin the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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