Mooresville vs Raleigh: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Mooresville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mooresville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,457 | $102,358▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.34 | $49.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,165 | $80,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,340 | $87,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,720 | $113,464▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,791 | $130,667▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mooresville.
The salary gap between Mooresville and Raleigh is $3,901 (3.96%). Raleigh's median is -2.78% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mooresville spans $50,626,Raleigh spans $50,246. Mooresville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mooresville ($105,189 effective) pays 0.87% more than Raleigh ($104,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mooresville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,189)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,358/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,667)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Mooresville grew 14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Mooresville, NC
$83,731 (2024) → $96,093 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$84,240 (2019) → $99,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mooresville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Mooresville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mooresville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Mooresville to Raleigh as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Mooresville vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov