North Carolina ranks 21st of 51 states and D.C. for physical therapist assistants pay, trailing top-paying California ($79,410) by $15,480 — a 24% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $52,260 to $81,380 — a $29,120 spread, 30% tighter than the national $41,610 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 2.9% of all physical therapist assistants in the country (3,080 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $52,260 | $25.12 |
| 25th percentile | $60,040 | $28.86 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $63,930 | $30.74 |
| 75th percentile | $74,660 | $35.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,380 | $39.13 |
| Mean (average) | $66,830 | $32.13 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $63,930 | n/a |
| California | $79,410 | +24% |
| Massachusetts | $77,780 | +22% |
| Alaska | $76,310 | +19% |
| Texas | $76,250 | +19% |
| New Jersey | $74,780 | +17% |
| Connecticut | $74,120 | +16% |
| Virginia | $73,900 | +16% |
| Nevada | $73,080 | +14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $63,840 | 4,290 |
| Flight Attendants | $64,100 | 4,320 |
| Postal Service Clerks | $63,690 | 2,180 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $63,590 | 3,140 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $63,570 | 3,460 |
| Editors | $64,340 | 2,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist Assistants salary in North Carolina?
The mean physical therapist assistants salary in North Carolina is $66,830 per year. The median (middle) salary is $63,930 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in North Carolina?
Entry-level physical therapist assistantss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $52,260 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $60,040 per year.
What is the highest Physical Therapist Assistants salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $81,380 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $74,660 per year.
How does the North Carolina Physical Therapist Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median physical therapist assistants salary in North Carolina is $63,930, which is -2% below national average of $65,510.