PT Assistant Salary

Lynchburg vs Suffolk: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lynchburg, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lynchburg, VA
$77,479
$37.25/hr
Suffolk, VA
$74,347
$35.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLynchburg, VASuffolk, VA
Median Salary$77,479$74,347
Hourly Rate$37.25$35.74
Entry Level (P10)$58,412$54,348
25th Percentile$65,285$66,307
75th Percentile$82,328$83,736
Top Earner (P90)$102,566$100,812
Total Employed15015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lynchburg ($77,479) and Suffolk ($74,347) physical therapist assistant salaries.LynchburgSuffolkMedian Salary$77,479$74,347Entry Level (P10)$58,412$54,348Top Earner (P90)$102,566$100,812US Median $70,247

Verdict

Lynchburg, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.

The salary gap between Lynchburg and Suffolk is $3,132 (4.21%). Lynchburg's median is +10.30% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lynchburg spans $44,154,Suffolk spans $46,464. Suffolk has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Lynchburg
P10 (Entry)$58,412
P25$65,285
Median$77,479
P75$82,328
P90 (Top)$102,566
Suffolk
P10 (Entry)$54,348
P25$66,307
Median$74,347
P75$83,736
P90 (Top)$100,812

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lynchburg ($86,701 effective) pays 20.35% more than Suffolk ($72,042 effective).

Lynchburg
Nominal: $77,479
CoL Index: 89.363
Adjusted: $86,701
Suffolk
Nominal: $74,347
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $72,042

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lynchburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($77,479/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,566)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,701)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Suffolk if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Lynchburg grew 7.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Suffolk over the same period.

Lynchburg, VA

+7.4%

$70,240 (2019) → $75,420 (2025)

Suffolk, VA

+8.1%

$66,970 (2024) → $72,371 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lynchburg or Suffolk?

Lynchburg has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $77,479/year, compared to Suffolk at $74,347/year — a difference of $3,132 (4.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lynchburg and Suffolk?

Lynchburg physical therapist assistants earn $37.25/hr while Suffolk hygienists earn $35.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lynchburg to Suffolk as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lynchburg and Suffolk. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lynchburg = $86,701, Suffolk = $72,042), job availability (150 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lynchburg vs Suffolk?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $58,412 in Lynchburg and $54,348 in Suffolk. The Lynchburg area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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