Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Goldsboro, NC: $71,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Goldsboro, NC earns a median $71,038/year (≈ $34.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Goldsboro's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.5), that paycheck buys what $80,303 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Goldsboro, North Carolina, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) can expect a median annual salary of $71,038 in 2026, reflecting a slight increase compared to national figures. The salary range for this occupation extends from $50,132 at the 10th percentile to $82,482 at the 90th percentile. These numbers derive from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys and illustrate the earning potential that exists for PTAs navigating their career paths. As the industry evolves, bridging from PTA to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) offers a strategic advancement, boosting lifetime earnings and ensuring long-term career satisfaction. Understanding salary trends is essential for PTs in Goldsboro, given the city's robust healthcare environment, particularly for those considering establishing themselves in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,132 | $24.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,338 | $24.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,038 | $34.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,411 | $36.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,482 | $39.65 |
Median Salary Position
1.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goldsboro
In Goldsboro, NC, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,350 (2026 est.). At $71,038, the local median is 1.13% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Goldsboro: You'd be above the median
How Goldsboro Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Goldsboro median: $71,038/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Goldsboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $66,453 | +6.90% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +1.13% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Goldsboro, NC earn a median of $71,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.13% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.90% above the North Carolina state average of $66,453.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Goldsboro has a cost of living 11.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Goldsboro, NC has a cost-of-living index of 88.462 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $71,038 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,303 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.04% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,452
2025 BLS Actual
$69,150
2026 Current Est.
$71,038
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Goldsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,443 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,869 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,977 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Goldsboro metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $59,452 (2019) to $69,150 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,977 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,525 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goldsboro 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 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,132 – $50,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,338 – $71,038 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,038 – $76,411 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,411 – $82,482 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Goldsboro
The local job market for physical therapist assistants in Goldsboro is comparatively stable, with 30 PTAs currently employed in the region. This city boasts a favorable cost of living index of 88.462, which means that while salaries may not be among the highest statewide, the purchasing power here remains strong. Among potential employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive pay, providing PTAs with opportunities for better compensation. The disparity between higher and lower salaries can be partly attributed to work settings and productivity expectations. For instance, hospital settings typically pay more than outpatient clinics, where the impact of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements has compressed salaries. To maximize earnings in this market, PTAs should consider seeking additional certifications, pursuing employment in high-demand settings, and enhancing their productivity while maintaining compliance with supervision requirements.
More salary data for Goldsboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Goldsboro, NC in 2026?
Is Goldsboro, NC a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Goldsboro?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Goldsboro?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $69,150 for physical therapist assistantsin the Goldsboro metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov