By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 26, 2026
Physical Therapy Degree and Career Guide
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Physical Therapist Salaries in Virginia
Being a PT in Virginia can pay well. Other reasons to consider the state stem from its unique blend of historical significance, geographical diversity and healthcare opportunities.
Virginia offers a wide range of practice settings for physical therapists. You can find opportunities in urban and rural hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, schools and even specialized clinics focusing on sports or pediatric therapy. This diversity allows PTs to choose an environment that aligns with their interests and career goals—and earn a healthy salary for their services and skills.
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There are 7,630 people employed as a physical therapist in Virginia says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This translates to nearly two people working in the profession per every 1,000 people living in the state, and awards the state’s Arlington area (alongside Washington DC-Alexandria) with the #7 spot on the BLS’ list of highest employment level in physical therapists. The median wage per hour is $48 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 10.9%.
Virginia’s healthcare system encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among various healthcare groups. Physical therapists in Virginia often work closely with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and other specialists, enhancing patient care and expanding professional networks. Here are just five top employers and how they utilize PT talent and skills:
- Inova Health System, Northern Virginia area, VA.
- Inova Health System is one of the largest healthcare providers in Northern Virginia, with a network of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and specialized clinics. They offer extensive rehabilitation services and have a strong demand for physical therapists across various settings, including acute care, outpatient and specialized rehab centers.
- Sentara Healthcare, Multiple locations, VA.
- Sentara Healthcare is another major healthcare system in Virginia, with hospitals and medical centers located throughout the state. They offer comprehensive rehabilitation services and have a large team of physical therapists working in different capacities, from inpatient to outpatient care.
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCU Health), Richmond, VA.
- VCU Health is a prominent academic medical center in Richmond, Virginia. It provides a range of medical services, including physical therapy. As part of a teaching hospital, VCU Health offers opportunities for physical therapists to work in a fast-paced environment with access to research and educational resources.
- Carilion Clinic, Greater Roanoke area, VA.
- Carilion Clinic is a large healthcare provider serving Roanoke and Western Virginia, with a network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. They offer various rehabilitation services and have positions for physical therapists in different settings, including acute care, outpatient clinics and specialty rehab centers.
- Riverside Health System, Eastern Virginia area, VA.
- Riverside Health System operates across the Eastern region of Virginia, providing a range of healthcare services, including physical therapy. With multiple hospitals, medical centers and rehabilitation facilities, Riverside offers diverse opportunities for physical therapists.
Being a physical therapist in Virginia offers a blend of professional opportunities, supportive communities and a high quality of life, making it a rewarding career choice.
Salary statistics for Virginia
Virginia’s geography is incredibly diverse, with coastal regions, mountains, urban centers and historic towns. This diversity allows PTs to experience different lifestyles and cultures, from the bustling urban environment of Northern Virginia to the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the historic charm of Williamsburg. Because of the diversity, PTs can earn salaries that suit their lifestyle and professional area of specialty.
Median physical therapist salary in Virginia
Virginia generally offers competitive salaries for physical therapists, particularly when considering factors like cost of living, job demand and industry trends. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physical therapists in Virginia is around $100,710, with variations depending on location, experience and specialization. Entry-level physical therapists may earn less, while experienced practitioners in high-demand areas can earn significantly more.
Compare Virginia’s median annual PT salary with the median national salary for physical therapists—which is is $101,020 a year—and you can see PTs in Virginia earn less, but also enjoy a lower cost of living than the national average.
Physical Therapists
10%$75,830
25%$82,560
50%$100,710Median
75%$117,240
90%$129,440
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth10.9%
Total Employment6,700
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | $103,520 | $71,690 | $121,750 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $102,590 | $79,600 | $127,420 |
| Roanoke, VA | $101,260 | $74,640 | $120,840 |
| Richmond, VA | $100,990 | $76,480 | $126,510 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $100,560 | $71,150 | $123,440 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $99,490 | $74,090 | $127,450 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $99,390 | $76,170 | $121,390 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $94,150 | $78,640 | $120,760 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $90,170 | $71,170 | $126,100 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries compare for fields that are similar to physical therapists:
Salary range for a physical therapist in Virginia
The salary range for PT professionals in Virginia typically spans from $75,830 for the lowest 10% in the field to $129,440 for the highest 10% in the field per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Virginia
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in business and you live in a city that has several healthcare facilities or university affiliated medical centers, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S.
As you can see, Virginia does not have any cities in the top 10, as the list is dominated by California metro areas. As mentioned earlier, the Arlington area does rank as a high opportunity employment area for PTs, according to the BLS data.
Some median annual salaries for notable metro areas in Virginia include:
- Charlottesville area: $99,820
- Lynchburg area: $94,460
- Blacksburg area: $96,990
- Roanoke area: $92,890
- Richmond area: $95,720
- Norfolk area: $90,840
Salary growth and job outlook
Virginia has a growing and aging population, which drives the demand for healthcare services, including physical therapy. This demand creates a strong job market for PTs and provides a steady stream of patients needing various types of therapy, from orthopedic to neurological rehabilitation.
The BLS anticipates faster than average growth for physical therapy nationwide, including Virginia:
10.9%
Job growth for physical therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
Factors that affect physical therapist salaries in VA
Virginia generally offers competitive salaries for physical therapists, particularly when considering factors like cost of living, job demand and industry trends. Here are some key points to consider when evaluating whether Virginia’s physical therapy salaries are competitive:
- Experience and education:
- As with most professions, salaries for physical therapists in Virginia can increase with experience and additional certifications or specialties. Those with advanced skills in areas like orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics or sports therapy might command higher salaries.
- State-specific factors:
- Virginia’s overall cost of living, while variable, is generally moderate compared to other states, particularly when compared to high-cost areas like New York or California. This balance of competitive salaries and a moderate cost of living makes Virginia attractive for physical therapists.
- Benefits and incentives:
- In addition to base salaries, many employers in Virginia offer competitive benefits packages that can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, continuing education support and bonuses. Some employers also offer sign-on bonuses or relocation assistance to attract physical therapists.
- Area of specialty and advancement:
- Virginia has a robust healthcare industry with a variety of employment settings, which can lead to career advancement opportunities for physical therapists. This can include moving into management, specialized roles or educational positions, all of which can result in higher salaries.
- Geographic variation:
- Salaries for physical therapists in Virginia can vary depending on the region. Urban areas like Northern Virginia (part of the Washington, DC metro area) generally offer higher salaries due to a higher cost of living and increased demand. Richmond and other major cities also tend to offer competitive wages. In more rural or less densely populated areas, salaries might be lower but can still be competitive due to a lower cost of living.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly in Virginia?
To determine if your pay as a physical therapist in Virginia is fair, you can consider several factors, including industry benchmarks, cost of living, your level of experience, education and the specific benefits your employer offers as part of your compensation package. Here’s a guide to help you assess whether your compensation is fair:
- Read industry reports: Check resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provides data on the average salary for physical therapists at the national and state level. This can give you a baseline for what to expect in Virginia. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale and Indeed offer salary information based on employee reports. You can search for physical therapist salaries in Virginia to see a range of compensation based on others’ experience working as a PT.
- Determine if your location in impacts your salary: In Virginia, salaries can vary based on location. Urban areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond or Virginia Beach typically offer higher salaries due to the higher cost of living. Compare your salary to others in similar regions. Use tools like the Cost of Living Index or Cost of Living calculators to understand how your salary aligns with the cost of living in your area. A salary that might seem lower in a high-cost area could be fair in a lower-cost region.
- Consider your job satisfaction and entire compensation package: Beyond salary, consider the benefits your employer provides, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and continuing education support. A comprehensive benefits package can enhance the overall value of your compensation. Look for bonuses, profit-sharing or other financial incentives that may contribute to your overall compensation.
- Assess your credentials, experience and area of specialty: Generally, more experienced physical therapists earn higher salaries. Compare your years of experience with the industry averages. If you have additional certifications or specializations, you may be able to command a higher salary. Determine if your skills align with what is typical for someone with your level of expertise.
- Discuss salaries with trusted colleagues: Discreetly discussing compensation with trusted colleagues or mentors can give you a sense of whether your pay is fair within your industry and location. Be cautious and respectful of confidentiality and company policies.
- Consult professional groups in Virginia or your area: Professional organizations often conduct salary surveys and can provide insights into fair compensation for physical therapists in Virginia.
- Know the law: The Virginia Fair Pay Act requires employers to pay fairly based on gender for doing the same work. There are also federal laws that protect workers. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industries allows workers to file a complaint for unpaid wages or workplace discrimination.
Education and training
To practice physical therapy in Virginia, you need specific education and credentials, along with a state license. Here’s a brief overview of the necessary steps and educational requirements to become a physical therapist in the state:
- Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program:
- You must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This graduate-level program typically takes about three years to complete and includes classroom education, laboratory work and clinical experiences.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE):
- After completing your DPT degree, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The NPTE tests your knowledge and understanding of physical therapy principles and practices.
- Obtain a Virginia state license through the Board of Physical Therapy:
- To obtain a license in Virginia, you need to apply to the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, pay the required fees and meet additional requirements, such as background checks and jurisprudence exams (tests on state-specific laws and regulations).
- Keep your license current through continuing education units:
- Once licensed, you must meet continuing education requirements to maintain your license. Virginia requires a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) during each renewal cycle to ensure physical therapists stay updated on industry developments.
- Consider specializing:
- Though not required, some physical therapists choose to pursue additional certifications in specialized areas like orthopedics, sports, neurology, geriatrics or pediatrics. These certifications, often granted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), require additional education, experience and exams.
Cost of living considerations for Virginia
When evaluating PT salaries in different areas of Virginia, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living.
Virginia’s cost of living is right at the national average, says RentCafe, with some areas higher and some lower than the national average.
Arlington, Alexandria and Charlottesville have a higher cost of living, while Richmond, Blacksburg, Roanoke and Lynchburg are all lower. Here are some breakdowns by housing, utilities and healthcare:
Housing costs
Housing costs in Virginia vary greatly depending on location. Urban areas like Northern Virginia (part of the Washington, D.C. metro area), Richmond and Virginia Beach tend to be more expensive due to higher demand. Northern Virginia generally has higher home prices and rent compared to other regions in the state.
Healthcare costs
Healthcare costs in Virginia are generally moderate, with some variation based on insurance plans and healthcare providers. Access to quality healthcare is good in most areas, especially in major cities with large medical centers and hospitals.
Utilities
Utility costs in Virginia are generally in line with or slightly lower than the national average. Factors like home size, climate and energy efficiency affect utility costs.
State taxes
Virginia has a progressive state income tax rate, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%, depending on income level. This is relatively moderate compared to other states.
The state sales tax rate is 4.3%, but localities can add additional taxes, resulting in a total sales tax rate of about 5.3% to 6%.
Professional associations for PTs in Virginia
Here are some professional associations that physical therapists in Virginia can join. These associations offer advocacy, resources, networking and continuing education opportunities for physical therapists in the state.
APTA Virginia (VPTA): The Virginia Physical Therapy Association is the state chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). It serves as the primary professional organization for physical therapists in Virginia. APTA Virginia focuses on advancing the physical therapy profession within Virginia through advocacy, education and professional development. The association organizes conferences, seminars and workshops to help PTs stay current with industry trends and expand their skills.
Virginia Occupational Therapy Association (VOTA): VOTA is the state chapter of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), dedicated to serving occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students in Virginia. The association focuses on advancing the occupational therapy profession within Virginia by providing resources for professional development, advocacy and education.
This physical therapist salary guide for Virginia aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.