Newport News vs Richmond: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Newport News, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,202▲ | $75,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.63▲ | $36.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,861 | $56,347▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,711▲ | $62,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,924▲ | $81,866 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,479▲ | $85,358 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Newport News, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Newport News and Richmond is $552 (0.73%). Newport News's median is +8.48% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $48,618,Richmond spans $29,011. Newport News 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 4.69% more than Newport News ($73,839 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,479)
- ✓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 Newport News grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$68,642 (2024) → $74,177 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$60,100 (2019) → $73,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Newport News or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newport News and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Newport News to Richmond as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Newport News 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