Lake Ridge vs Richmond: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lake Ridge, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Ridge, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,458 | $75,650▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.84 | $36.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,794 | $56,347▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,537▲ | $62,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,642▲ | $81,866 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,997▲ | $85,358 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Ridge.
The salary gap between Lake Ridge and Richmond is $3,192 (4.41%). Richmond's median is +7.69% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Ridge spans $40,203,Richmond spans $29,011. Lake Ridge 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 10.10% more than Lake Ridge ($70,211 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,997)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,650/year)
- ✓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 Lake Ridge grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Lake Ridge, VA
$65,268 (2024) → $70,532 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$60,100 (2019) → $73,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Ridge, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lake Ridge or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Ridge and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Lake Ridge to Richmond as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lake Ridge vs Richmond?
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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
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