McLean vs Virginia Beach: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between McLean, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,024 | $75,301▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.59 | $36.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,566 | $53,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,973▲ | $62,604 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,435▲ | $80,417 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,446▲ | $84,239 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between McLean and Virginia Beach is $1,277 (1.73%). Virginia Beach's median is +7.19% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $40,880,Virginia Beach spans $31,128. McLean 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, Virginia Beach ($76,884 effective) pays 7.19% more than McLean ($71,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,446)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,301/year)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,884)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in McLean grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
McLean, VA
$66,679 (2024) → $72,057 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$58,660 (2019) → $73,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: McLean or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from McLean to Virginia Beach as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in McLean vs Virginia Beach?
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