2026 Salary — Virginia
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in Virginia: $106K Median
Physical Therapists in Virginia earn between $80K and $138K per year.
That's +6% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Virginia is $105,693 per year — +6% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $79,500 (entry, 25th percentile) to $137,800 (90th percentile). Virginia's cost-of-living index is 104. State income tax applies.
Median
$105,693
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$82,680
Experienced
$121,900
Top 10%
$137,800
About Physical Therapists in Virginia
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Physical Therapist Salary in Virginia Metros
Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay calculator.
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $97,716 |
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in Virginia
Walk-away anchor: $96,085.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — Virginia
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Virginia?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Virginia is $105,693 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $79,500 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $137,800 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in Virginia compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Virginia earn approximately 6% more than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $105,693 in Virginia). Virginia's cost-of-living index of 104 is close to the national average.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Virginia increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Virginia grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $16,014 in 2025 to $105,693 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which Virginia cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Top-paying Virginia metros for Physical Therapists: Virginia Beach ($98K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Virginia?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Virginia's top industries include Government/Defense, Tech (Data Centers), Shipbuilding, and the state's unemployment rate is 3.3% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does Virginia have state income tax?
Yes, Virginia has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $105,693, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Virginia employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Virginia?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for Virginia: $96,085.
Methodology
Virginia Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by Virginia's state multiplier (1.06×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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