Healthcare Charlotte · 2026 +5.0% YoY proj.

Physical Therapist Salary in Charlotte

Banking capital #2 (Bank of America, Truist). Here's how Physical Therapists in Charlotte get paid in 2026.

$114,000
Median Physical Therapist salary in Charlotte, Q1 2026.
Versus US median ($112,500): +1% · Versus North Carolina state ($111,300): +2%
Range: $86,700 (P25) → $148,200 (P75) → $188,100 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$86,700
MEDIAN
$114,000
P75
$148,200
P90
$188,100
By Tenure

Physical Therapist Salary by Experience in Charlotte

How pay scales with career stage in the Charlotte metro market.

ExperienceMedian 202625th %75th %
Entry (0–1 yr)$79,800$60,600$103,700
Junior (2–4 yrs)$99,100$75,400$128,900
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$114,000$86,700$148,200
Senior (10–14 yrs)$136,800$104,000$177,800
Veteran (15+ yrs)$155,000$117,900$201,500
Metro Comparison

Physical Therapist Pay in Other Top US Metros

Highest-paying metros for Physical Therapists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.

Charlotte Pay Map

Highest-Paying Jobs in Charlotte

Top occupations by median pay across the Charlotte metro economy.

→ See full Charlotte salary guide for all 100 jobs

FAQ

Physical Therapist Salary in Charlotte: FAQ

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Charlotte?

The average Physical Therapist salary in the Charlotte metro is $114,000 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $86,700 to $148,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $188,100 or more.

Does Charlotte pay more than the rest of North Carolina?

Yes — Charlotte pays +2% relative to the North Carolina state median for Physical Therapists. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.

How does Charlotte compare to other US metros for Physical Therapist pay?

Charlotte vs. national: +1%. Charlotte pays roughly in line with the national average for Physical Therapists. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.

What experience level does $114,000 represent?

In Charlotte, the median Physical Therapist salary of $114,000 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Physical Therapists in Charlotte start around $79,800, while seniors (10+ years) reach $136,800 or more.

Personal Audit

Are you underpaid as a Physical Therapist in Charlotte?

Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.

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