Charlottesville vs Richmond: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,030▲ | $75,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.55▲ | $36.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,954▲ | $56,347 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,001▲ | $62,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,379▲ | $81,866 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,060▲ | $85,358 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Richmond is $380 (0.50%). Charlottesville's median is +8.23% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $31,106,Richmond spans $29,011. Charlottesville 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, Richmond ($77,306 effective) pays 0.81% more than Charlottesville ($76,685 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,030/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,060)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,306)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Charlottesville grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$64,190 (2019) → $74,010 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$60,100 (2019) → $73,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Charlottesville or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Richmond as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Charlottesville vs Richmond?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov