Entry Level (10th pct.)
$68,000
0–2 years experience
25th Percentile
$80,000
Below average earner
Median (50th pct.)
$96,000
Typical earner
75th Percentile
$111,000
Above average earner
Top Earner (90th pct.)
$126,000
5+ years experience

Physical Therapist Salary Breakdown — Durham, NC

The table below shows how Physical Therapist salaries in Durham distribute across experience levels and pay percentiles in 2026.

PercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyHourly (est.)Profile
10th$68,000$5,667$33Entry-level, new graduate
25th$80,000$6,667$381–3 years experience
Median$96,000$8,000$46Mid-career professional
75th$111,000$9,250$53Experienced professional
90th$126,000$10,500$61Senior / specialist

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), adjusted for Durham regional cost of living. Data as of 2026.

Visual Salary Distribution

10th pct.
$68,000
25th pct.
$80,000
Median
$96,000
75th pct.
$111,000
90th pct.
$126,000

What Affects Physical Therapist Salaries in Durham?

  • Experience: Entry-level professionals earn significantly less than their senior counterparts. In Durham, the gap between the 10th and 90th percentile is $58,000.
  • Industry:Physical Therapists working in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare often command salaries above the median.
  • Education & Certifications: Advanced degrees and relevant professional certifications can move your salary into the upper quartile.
  • Company size: Larger organizations typically offer higher compensation packages, including bonuses and equity.
  • Location within Durham: Employers in downtown/central business districts or tech corridors often pay more than suburban offices.

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