Physical Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $84,039 (2026)

Physical Therapist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median physical therapist salary of $84,039, which is $5,863 below the North Carolina state average of $89,902. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $84,039 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Winston-Salem spans from $57,448 at the 10th percentile to $111,972 at the 90th percentile — a $54,524 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,480, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,080. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $58,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,480

$-9,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,280

$-13,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$110,080

$-17,920 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$57,448	$61,456	$66,800
25th Percentile	$68,972	$73,784	$80,200
Median (50th)	$84,039	$89,902	$97,720
75th Percentile	$100,104	$107,088	$116,400
90th Percentile	$111,972	$119,784	$130,200

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$57,448

25th Percentile

$68,972

Median (50th)

$84,039

75th Percentile

$100,104

90th Percentile

$111,972

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $84,039 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $57,448 (10th percentile) to $111,972 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $84,039, a physical therapist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median physical therapist salary of $84,039 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $89,902. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $84,039 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most physical therapist positions in Winston-Salem require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.

Physical Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina