Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $48.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in New Bern, NC runs $48.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in New Bern, NC, earn a median hourly pay of $48.26, positioning them slightly below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This competitive rate allows for a viable income for both full-time and part-time workers, including those who wish to work just three days a week. For part-time therapists, this translates to substantial monthly income potential, especially when considering typical settings like outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. Entry-level physical therapists can expect to earn around $36.41 per hour, while the top earners in the region can reach up to $60.87 per hour, indicating a diverse range of earning potential depending on experience and workplace type.
About the New Bern Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.41 | $291.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.03 | $320.25 |
| Median (P50) | $48.26 | $386.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.83 | $446.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.87 | $486.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $48.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.26/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $100,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,910. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,930.35 | $8,365 | $100,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,158.21 | $5,019 | $60,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.14 | $3,346 | $40,151 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (New Bern) | $48.26 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in New Bern, NC earn a median of $100,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $102,323.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.26/hr = $60,227/year (purchasing power: $64,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,378/year (purchasing power: $107,241).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in New Bern grew -0.1% from $47.17/hr (2019) to $47.10/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.45/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bern metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in New Bern
When considering part-time employment, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week in New Bern could earn approximately $50,600 annually, which represents a significant income compared to full-time roles. Per diem physical therapists, often employed through agency work, might experience more variable per diem pay, typically ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel PT contracts can offer weekly compensation between $1,800 and $2,800, including necessary stipends, making them an attractive option for those willing to relocate temporarily. In New Bern, hourly rates can differ based on the employer; for instance, outpatient clinics might offer lower rates compared to hospital settings, which tend to provide better benefits. Therapists often face trade-offs when deciding between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower ones that include health insurance. Understanding these nuances is crucial for negotiating compensation effectively in New Bern's diverse physical therapy market.
More salary data for New Bern, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in New Bern in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in New Bern?
Are physical therapists in New Bern paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in New Bern?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in New Bern?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in New Bern. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bern is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov